---
title: How do I vote by mail in Evanston?
url: https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/vote-by-mail/
updated: 2026-10-16
source_policy: every fact carries a numbered source; [n] markers refer to the Sources list
---

[Home](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/) / [Explainers](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/) / How to vote by mail Explainer · Published Fri Oct 16, 2026

# How to vote by mail

More explainers

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2. [Who serves as Evanston’s mayor until the election?](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/acting-mayor/)
3. [Will Evanston have a mayoral primary in February 2027?](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/february-primary/)
4. [What does Evanston’s mayor do?](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/what-does-the-mayor-do/)
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6. [Can Skokie residents vote in Evanston’s school board elections?](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/skokie-voters-school-boards/)
7. [What is the Oakton College board election?](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/oakton-college-board/)
8. [How accessible is voting in Evanston?](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/accessible-voting/)

[All explainers →](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/)

Short answer

Any registered Evanston voter can vote by mail. Apply online with the Cook County Clerk, or join the permanent vote-by-mail list to get a mail ballot every election. [1][2]

## How to apply

- Apply online on the Cook County Clerk’s vote-by-mail page. You need your Illinois driver’s license or state ID number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, a mailing address and an email address. [1]
- Paper applications are available in 12 languages. [1]
- To get a mail ballot every election, join the permanent vote-by-mail list online or call (312) 603-0946. [2]

## Deadlines for April 6, 2027

- Applications open January 6, 2027. [3]
- A mailed application must reach the Cook County Clerk by April 1, 2027; you can apply in person at the Clerk’s office through April 5. [3]
- Your ballot counts if it is postmarked by Election Day and arrives by April 20, 2027. [3]

## If there is a February primary

A mayoral primary on February 23, 2027 happens only if three or more mayoral candidates file. If it does, applications open November 25, 2026, and a mailed application must arrive by February 18, 2027. [3][4]

## Voters who are blind or print-disabled

An accessible mail ballot is available: call (312) 603-0976. [5]

Related

- [How to vote](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/vote/)
- [Every key date](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/vote/#dates)

## Sources

1. Cook County Clerk — Vote by mail — https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/elections/ways-to-vote/vote-by-mail
2. Cook County Clerk — Permanent vote by mail — https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/elections/ways-to-vote/vote-mail/permanent-vote-mail
3. Illinois State Board of Elections — 2027 Election & Campaign Finance Calendar (via Running for Office) — https://www.elections.il.gov/RunningForOffice.aspx?MID=rOlNCTNZd9A%3D
4. City of Evanston, City Clerk — 2027 Special Mayoral Election — https://www.cityofevanston.org/government/city_clerks_office/2025_consolidated_elections/index.php
5. Cook County Clerk — Visually impaired and print-disabled voters — https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/elections/ways-to-vote/vote-mail/visually-impaired-and-print-disabled-voters