Efforts to contain the fast-spreading coronavirus pandemic have resulted in closures, quarantines and event cancellations across the city. Fears of COVID-19 spreading have also prompted the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners to move 25 precinct polling locations earlier this week, moving voting sites out of nursing homes and some private residences.
Marisel Hernandez, chair of the Chicago Board of Elections, said Wednesday that they were “trying to explore every avenue to relocate” the polling places as the March 17 primary looms, and said the latest updates would be posted to the board’s website.
Coronavirus concerns have prompted many to request mail-in ballots. As of Wednesday morning, 90,200 applications for mail-in ballots had been received — triple the amount four years ago.
The deadline to apply for a Vote by Mail ballot in Chicago is 5 p.m. Thursday.
How to vote by mail
In Chicago:
- Apply at chicagoelections.gov
- Return your ballot by mail
- Use the online system to track the return of your Vote By Mail ballot
In suburban Cook County:
Apply at cookcountyclerk.com/agency/elections
You will need:
- Your driver’s license or state identification number
- The last four digits of your Social Security Number
- The address to which you would like your ballot mailed
- An email address
