The University will remain open and classes will continue as scheduled on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Illinois polling places are scheduled to be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., providing opportunities to vote before or after the workday or class schedule.
Everyone is encouraged to exercise their right to vote and to make a plan that works with their individual schedule. Illinois also offers early voting and vote-by-mail options, which may be particularly helpful for employees and students whose polling location is some distance from campus or who otherwise may have difficulty voting on Election Day. Early voting for the 2026 General Election begins September 24, and applications for vote-by-mail ballots are available.
With these options available, employees and students should have reasonable opportunities to participate in the election while maintaining their regular academic and work commitments. Those who anticipate difficulty getting to their polling location are encouraged to coordinate an early or vote-by-mail option in advance.
Todd J. Vilardo
Interim Director of Human Resources
Booth House
Eastern Illinois University
600 Lincoln Ave.
Charleston, IL 61920
217-581-7400
jdreinhart@eiu.edu