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Health & Fitness

Next Election is April 9th – Here is Your Voter Information

The Consolidated Election will be held on April 9th, 2013. Here is some information about how to register and how, where, and when to vote.

The Consolidated Election will be held on April 9th, 2013.  There are many officials who will be elected at that time:  Township Supervisor, Village Mayor, Township and Village Clerks, Township Assessor, Township and Village Trustees, and school board members for the elementary, high school and community colleges.

Some people may say that most of these positions are “local” and therefore not very important – but these people make some significant decisions about things like local laws/ordinances and services, education of your kids and neighbors, and property taxes.  So, it is important for everyone to go out and vote.

Here is some information about how to register and how, where, and when to vote.

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Voter Registration

The last day to register to vote is Tuesday, March 12, 2013.

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Please encourage everyone you know to register to vote.  Perhaps you know a high school student who just turned 18 (or will turn 18 before April 9).  Or perhaps a neighbor just moved in next door.  Let them know how to register and that the deadline is coming up soon.

Voter registration information can be found at: http://www.cookcountyclerk.com/elections/registertovote/Pages/default.aspx

You can register online, via mail, or in person at the clerk’s office at Skokie Village Hall or Niles Township. 

Mail-in Voting (aka absentee ballots)

Perhaps you know of a student who is away at college but whose permanent residence is here in Skokie.  Or a neighbor spends their winters in warmer climates.  Or a friend is spending a year working overseas.  Just because these people are not here in Illinois in March and April does not mean they can’t vote.

You can already request a mail-in ballot.  Information on how to request a ballot is at:

http://www.cookcountyclerk.com/elections/mailvoting/Pages/default.aspx

The last day to request a mail-in ballot is April 4, 2013.

Early Voting

What can you do if you are going to be traveling on April 9?  Or if you have to work a double-shift?  Vote Early!

Early voting starts Monday, March 25 and ends Saturday, April 6. 

You can vote early at any of the voting locations listed at:

http://www.cookcountyclerk.com/elections/earlyvoting/Pages/EarlyVotingLocations.aspx

That means you don’t have to go to just the nearest site.  For instance, if you work in downtown Chicago, you could go to 69 W. Washington, 5th floor during your lunch break.  Or if you are just too busy during the week, you could go to the Evanston Civic Center at 2100 Ridge on Saturdays from 9am to 5pm or Sundays from 9am to 3pm.  There are two early voting locations in Skokie:  Skokie Village Hall at 5127 Oakton or the Skokie Courthouse at 5600 W. Old Orchard Rd, Room 149.

Vote in Person

And of course you can always vote in person on April 9, 2013.  To find your local polling place go to:

http://www.cookcountyclerk.com/elections/voterprofile/Pages/default.aspx

and type in your address.

So, it is not too late to register to vote – but that deadline is coming up soon.  The local elected officials have a significant impact on our community.  So, whether you choose to vote by mail, vote early, or vote in person, please encourage all of your friends and neighbors to register and vote as well. 

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