Voter registration deadline looms for April 7 election

Friday, March 06, 2009

With only a few days left before registration closes, Cook County Clerk David Orr reminds suburban voters to register to vote before Tuesday, March 10 if they want to participate in the April 7 election.

More than 3,000 candidates will be on the April 7 ballots across suburban Cook County.

"Registering to vote empowers residents to help guide local issues that closely affect their communities," Orr said. "The Consolidated Election will give voters a chance to influence policy-makers on village and township boards, school and library districts, and other local governments."

The April 7 election will also decide the new U.S. Representative from Illinois' 5th Congressional District, a seat that was vacated by new White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel.

Orr reminds voters who have recently moved that they must re-register at their current address prior to the deadline. Voters who have changed their name also must re-register.

Registration applications for suburban Cook County residents can be printed at www.voterinfonet.com; Chicago residents should visit www.chicagoelections.com for information.

After completing the application, suburban voters should return it to the Cook County Clerk's office, 69 W. Washington St., Fifth Floor, Chicago, IL 60602. All applications must be delivered or postmarked by March 10.

Residents wishing to register in person can visit Orr's office, their municipal or township clerk's office, or one of the Clerk's offices located at the five suburban Cook County courthouses:

• North suburbs: 5600 W. Old Orchard Road, Room 149, Skokie
• Northwest suburbs: 2121 Euclid Ave., Room 238, Rolling Meadows
• West suburbs: 1311 Maybrook Square, Room 109, Maywood
• South suburbs: 16501 S. Kedzie Ave., Room 238, Markham
• Southwest suburbs: 10220 S. 76th Ave., Room 238, Bridgeview

Prospective voters should bring two pieces of identification to register, including one displaying a current address (a bill mailed to the prospective voter may serve as one form of ID).

To qualify to vote, a person must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old by Election Day (April 7) and a resident of his or her precinct for at least 30 days prior to the election.

The Clerk's office will send a voter identification card to each voter after the applications are processed. The card lists each voter's precinct information and voting districts.

Those who miss the regular registration deadline will still be able to vote if they register during the 14-day grace period from March 11-24. During grace period registration, voters must sign up to vote in person at the Clerk's downtown Chicago office (69 W. Washington St., Fifth Floor) or at one of the Clerk's five courthouse locations. You must show two pieces of identification to register.

Grace period voters must vote absentee immediately after signing up to vote or via a mail absentee ballot completed at home and returned to the Clerk's office before Election Day. Grace period registrants are not allowed to vote at the polls on Election Day or vote at any Early Voting site.

For more information, visit www.voterinfonet.com or call 312-603-0906.

If you are a member of the media, please contact:

Back to Home Page | More News