The time to vote in the General Election is almost here. Election Day, November 6, 2018, is approaching rapidly. Constituents should take several steps as soon as possible to ensure their ballot is cast, starting with registering to vote.
Forty-nine states, including Illinois, require residents to register to vote prior to the election. Illinoisans must apply to vote at least 28 days before an election, or 17 days before if online. This can be done online on the State Board of Elections’ website, by mail, or in person at the following locations provided by the Illinois State Board of Elections: “County Clerk’s Office, Board of Election Commissioner’s Office, City and Village Offices, Township Offices, Schools, Public Libraries, Military Recruitment Offices, Locations specifically designated by the election authority.”
Potential voters must be U.S. citizens, 18 years old on Election Day, and a resident of their voting precinct for at least 30 days before the election.
Several elected officials are up for reelection. Voters will consider candidates for governor, representative to the U.S. House of Representatives, both chambers of the state’s General Assembly, and local government. Primary Elections were held earlier in the year to determine which candidates would represent their party in the General Election. The gubernatorial race is between incumbent Republican Bruce Rauner and Democrat challenger JB Pritzker.
Voting is a civic duty and has been a cornerstone of our democracy since its inception. The ability for citizens of the United States to vote for their elected officials revolutionized the state of global politics. Liberties were granted to citizens of this new nation that could not be found anywhere else.
Fair and free elections distinguish the US as a beacon of democracy. Election interference does not occur in the United States to the same magnitude it does worldwide. The voting process in the US is closely monitored by election agencies and international watchdog organizations, with any irregularity being scrutinized and addressed.
Every vote in every election is important. Registering to vote has never been easier, so there are few excuses to miss the opportunity. Ridesharing app Lyft will offer users 50% off when traveling to the polls on Election Day. Early voting will begin at the end of October in most jurisdictions, and there is also the option to cast an absentee ballot by mail. More information can be found from the US Government’s election website.
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