The voter registration deadline for Chicago’s February election passed earlier this week, but tardy residents are not yet out of luck. Grace period registration is now taking place.

“[This] allows the procrastinators who have not registered to actually register,” explained Langdon Neal, chair of the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners.

Normally, these late comers must vote on the spot, right when they register. Except, this year,  things are being done a bit differently.

That’s because of all the confusion caused by ballot challenges, including the pending court case involving Rahm Emanuel’s candidacy for mayor. So instead of voting immediately, grace period voters will be handed an application for an absentee ballot.

“And then when there’s certainty to the ballot to the ballot style, we’ll mail them a ballot,” Neal said. “They’ll be entitled to send it in as an absentee ballot.

Grace period registration is offered through February 15th at the election board’s downtown headquarters.