Are you registered to vote? Did you know that if you are 17 years old and will be 18 on or before Nov. 8, you can register and vote in the upcoming election? Did you know that you can vote if you are homeless, if you are living with a friend or relative or in a shelter or drop-in center that accepts clients’ mail?
Here are the requirements to register to vote:
• You must be a citizen of the United States.
• You must be 18 years old on or before Nov. 8, 2016.
• You will need two pieces of identification. One must include your current address; neither one needs to be a photo ID.
If you have moved since you last voted, make sure you are registered at your current address. If you’re not sure, you can access your voter information by visiting the Cook County Clerk’s website and searching by your address or birthdate. That website address is cookcountyclerk.com.
Registering to vote is easy. You can register from the comfort of your home or office, online or by mail, or in person at the Civic Center or any number of places where a deputy registrar will take your information and register you on the spot. Now is the time – don’t wait until the last minute.
The Voter Participation Action Coalition (VPAC) of Evanston wants you to register and to vote. The group of 11 organizations has coordinated voter registration and public awareness initiatives for the past year. Mark Mesle, Outreach Coordinator for the Cook County Clerk’s Office, recently expressed appreciation to the group saying “VPAC has shown real leadership in Cook County as few other groups are matching your continued commitment.” VPAC members can register you, provide information, and enjoy encouraging you to vote and to be informed about state and county races and referendums as well as the much-publicized national elections
Important Dates
Oct. 11 – Voter registration closes
Oct. 12 – Nov. 7 – Grace period registration & voting
Oct. 24 – Nov. 7 – Early Voting
Nov. 3 – Last day to apply for ballot by mail
Nov. 8 – General Election
Be a poll worker. Positions are available throughout suburban Cook County for election judges, a position that pays $175. Positions are available in select western and northern suburbs for equipment managers, a position that pays $325. Training will be provided by the Cook County Clerk’s office.
For more information contact the Cook County Clerk’s office at cookcountyclerk.com or call 312-603-5656.
The Voter Participation Action Coalition includes Delta Sigma Theta, YWCA, LWVE, Northwestern University Office of Civic Engagement, Latino Resources, ETHS, City and County Clerk’s Offices, NAACP, OPAL, and Alpha Kappa Alpha.
Voter registration dates and locations remaining in September/October 2016
Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Avenue
Thursdays, September 29, and October 6 from 5 to 7 pm
Saturdays, October 1 and 8 from 1 to 5 pm
Mondays, October and 10 from 1 to 5 pm
Tuesday, September 27 from 1 to 5 pm National Voter Registration Day
McGaw YMCA, 1000 Grove Street
Saturdays, October 1 and 8 from 9 am to 12 pm
Tuesday, September 27 from 9 am to 12 pm – National Voter Registration Day
Second Baptist Church, 1717 Benson Avenue
Tuesday, September 27 – Nation Voter Registration Day
Art and Big Fork Festival, Downtown Evanston
Friday, September 30 from 4 – 8 pm
Saturday, October 1 from 4 – 8 pm
Sunday, October 2 from 4 – 8 pm
Evanston City Clerk’s Office, Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Avenue
Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm
To register online: