6 Days And Counting

By Rachelle Bowden in News on Sep 30, 2004 8:46PM

The voter registration deadline is fast approaching. If you live in Illinois and haven’t registered to vote, you’ve got only six days left!

Let's face it: We lead hectic lives. And in the midst of the daily grind, we sometimes miss important information – like how much time is left to register to vote. So this is Chicagoist's PSA reminding you to register to vote!

If you're not sure how to register, we've posted Citizen Information Service's Question and Answer sheet below (click the link to expand). The Q&A tells when and where to register along with information about necessary forms of identification.

ILLINOIS VOTER REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Who can vote?
To qualify to register to vote, a person:

• Must be a U.S. citizen
  
• Must be at least 18 years of age by Election Day (which falls on November 2nd this year)
  
• Must have been a resident of the precinct at least 30 days prior to Election Day
  
• Must not be convicted and in jail
  
• Must not claim the right to vote anywhere else

Can I register to vote by mail?
Yes. You can complete a voter registration application and mail it to the address listed on the application. Voter registration applications must be postmarked on later than October 5. If you register by mail, you must vote in person this Election Day.

Where can I get a voter registration application?

• You can download a voter registration application at many Web sites, including www.elections.state.il.us (Click on “Voter Registration Forms”)
  
• At any branch of the Chicago Public Library system during normal business hours
  
• At most 7-Eleven locations
  
• At other participating locations

I want to register in person. Where can I go?

• Board of Elections at 69 West Washington, Room 600 (weekdays 9 to 5; Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon)
  
• Citizens Information Service at 332 S. Michigan Avenue, Suite 428, Chicago (weekdays 9 to 5)
  
• City, village and township offices
  
• Designated sites where volunteer deputy registrars will be on hand to answer questions and help you complete your voter registration application
  
• You can also register to vote when applying for services at driver’s license facilities, public aid and public health offices, and certain other government offices

What forms of identification can I use when I register to vote?
You will need two forms of identification. One of these must show your current address. Acceptable forms of identification include:

• Valid driver’s license
  
• Social Security card
  
• Utility bill
  
• Employee or student identification card
  
• Credit card
  
• Birth certificate
  
• Public assistance identification card
  
• Library card
  
• Passport

What is the deadline for registering to vote?
The last day to register to vote for the November election in Illinois is Tuesday, October 5.

When can I consider myself officially registered to vote?
When you receive a voter identification card in the mail. If you do not receive a voter identification card within three weeks after registering, call your local elections office.

I’ve moved since the last election. Do I need to re-register?
You will need to either re-register or transfer your old registration. Be sure to do so before October 5.

I’ve changed my name since the last election. Do I need to re-register?
Yes. You must re-register. Be sure to do so before October 5.

Where can I get more information on the Internet about voter registration?

• Chicago Board of Elections
  
• Illinois State Board of Elections
  
• Cook County Clerk’s Office
  
• League of Women Voters

Where can I call for more information?
Citizens Information Service in Chicago – Phone lines are staffed between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The phone number is (312) 939-INFO.