Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is reminding voters of their rights ahead of Election Day and urging them to call his office's hotlines if they encounter suspected improper or illegal activity.

Monday is the last day for early voting in Illinois, and Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Under state law, voters may cast a ballot before Election Day without providing a reason. Raoul's office said it is a longstanding practice to monitor elections in Illinois to ensure voters' rights are protected and polling places are accessible.

"Voters can have confidence that our elections are safe and secure and can rest assured that in Illinois, we are focused on protecting their rights and facilitating their access to the ballot box," Raoul said. "The right to vote is our most fundamental right as Americans, and it is imperative that, regardless of who you vote for or how you vote, you make your voice heard by or on Nov. 3."

How to report problems

Voters in Chicago and northern Illinois can call 1-866-536-3496. Voters in central and southern Illinois can call 1-866-559-6812. People with hearing or speech disabilities can reach the office using the 711 relay service. The hotlines are open now and will remain open through Nov. 17.

Voters should check with their local election authorities for the most current information on voting regulations and to confirm their polling place. That information is available through the Illinois State Board of Elections website.

Basic voting rights under Illinois law

  • Voters have the right to vote if they are in line when polls close at 7 p.m., or at any time between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Election Day.
  • If a voter makes a mistake or "spoils" a paper ballot and has not cast it, the voter has the right to a replacement ballot.
  • A voter who cannot read, has trouble understanding English or has a disability has the right to request voting assistance from anyone other than their employer, an agent of their employer, or an officer or agent of their union.
  • Voters have the right to take unpaid time from work to vote — no more than two successive hours — as long as they applied with their employer before Election Day. The employer may set the time of day.
  • No one is allowed to try to influence a voter within 100 feet of the polling place.
  • It is a crime to prevent a person from voting or registering to vote using intimidation, force, threat or deception.