Downers Grove Election Guide: What’s On The Ballot, What To Know

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — The general election isn’t until Nov. 5, but early voting gets under way in Illinois on Sept. 26 — and residents can already request a ballot to vote by mail.

The hottest race on the ballot is the presidential election, pitting Vice President Kamala Harris against former President Donald J. Trump.

Races to watch in Downers Grove

Downers Grove voters will encounter a referendum question on their ballots regarding an ordinance that permits video gaming within the village. Below is how the question will appear on the ballot.

Shall the Village of Downers Grove permit video gaming only for establishments holding (i) restaurant liquor licenses and located outside of the Downtown and (ii) club and recreational facilities liquor licenses, with restrictions placed on the number of licenses, the number of terminals, terminal configuration, terminal visibility, establishment proximity to churches ad schools, and with no allowance whatsoever for video gaming cafes, in the Village of Downers Grove, County of DuPage, State of Illinois?

Village officials approved the ordinance in late 2023, which, if favored by voters, the amended ordinance would take effect Jan. 1, 2025.

U.S. Congressional Races

In Illinois's 6th Congressional District, incumbent Rep. Sean Casten will defend his seat against Republican challenger Niki Conforti.

The state's 11th Congressional District will see Rep. Bill Foster challenged by Republican candidate Jerry Evans and write-in candidate Anna Schiefelbein, an Independent.

Registering to vote

Not sure if you’re registered to vote, or need to change your address? You can find out here.

If you’re not registered, you have until Oct. 8 to register by mail and Oct. 20 to register to vote online. You can also register in person on Election Day.

To register by mail, download and print the Illinois Voter Registration Application and send the completed form to your county clerk or Board of Election commissioner.

If you want to register in person, you can do so at driver’s license facilities, your county clerk’s office, city or village offices, township offices or public libraries.

In Downers Grove, residents can visit the following locations to register to vote.

Downers Grove Township Office, 4340 Prince St., Downers Grove

Downers Grove Village Hall, 850 Curtiss St., Downers Grove

If you register to vote in person, you’ll need two forms of ID, and at least one must show your current address.

Early voting

Downers Grove-area voters who want to cast their ballots early can do so starting Sept. 26. Click the link to see where to vote early in DuPage County.

In Downers Grove, you can vote early at Downers Grove Recreation Center: 4500 Belmont Rd., Downers Grove.

Voting by mail

Illinois voters can already file an application to vote by mail, and you can find vote by mail applications on the Illinois State Board of Elections website.

If you’re making your request by mail, the Illinois Election Authority must receive it by Oct. 31.
You can also request a mail-in ballot online on your county clerk’s website.

If you’ve already requested your mail-in ballot, you should receive it around the time early voting starts.

Once you receive your vote by mail ballot, it must be completed and postmarked by Election Day — Nov. 5.

Election Day

Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5. If you are already in line to vote when the polls close, you can still vote — so don't leave!

If you don't know your polling place, find it here.