Chapter 7. Election Day, While the Polls Are Open

7.F. Vote by Mail Ballots in the Polling Place

7.F.2. Jurisdictions That Do Not Accept Vote by Mail Ballots In the Polling Place

When Vote by Mail ballots are not accepted at the Polling Place, the Election Judge will direct the voter to the nearest ballot drop box.

Election Authorities maintain secure ballot drop boxes where Vote by Mail ballots may be returned through the close of polls on Election Day.

The Poll Watcher Team will provide the poll watcher with:

  • The address of the nearest ballot drop box;
  • The address of the nearest post office; and
  • The post office's business hours.

See: Poll Watcher Team, Jurisdiction That Do Not Accept Vote By Mail Ballots In the Polling Place

Relevant Illinois State Law

Election authorities may maintain one or more secure collection sites for the postage-free return of vote by mail ballots. Any election authority with collection sites shall collect all ballots returned each day and process them as required by this Code, including noting the day on which the ballot was collected.

Ballots returned to such collection sites after close of business shall be dated as delivered the next day, with the exception of ballots delivered on election day, which shall be dated as received on election day.

Election authorities shall permit electors to return vote by mail ballots at any collection site it has established through the close of polls on election day.

All collection sites shall be secured by locks that maybe opened only by election authority personnel.

The State Board of Elections shall establish additional guidelines for the security of collection sites.

10 ILCS 5/19-6

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