INQUISITR.COM / News & Politics

Registered Or Not, It’s Not Too Late To Vote In The Illinois Primary!

By Noelle Nicholas
Published on: 05:13 PST, Mar 15, 2016

Registering to vote is not on the top of anyone’s list of fun things to do. Too many of us keep pushing it off until election day creeps up and we realize we’ve missed out on another chance to let our voices be heard. This year, that is no longer the case for Illinois primary voters. Today is the day, and a new law states that Illinois voters can register to vote and cast a vote on the very same day!

According to the Miami Herald, procrastinators in Illinois can now take advantage of a law that allows unregistered voters to hightail it out to a primary polling place, register to vote, and cast a ballot, all in the same day. Election Day registration is also available for individuals who have moved or need to update their information.

Cook County Clerk David Orr says this is just part of voter reforms that Illinois lawmakers have been supporting.

“In our highly mobile society, we realize that there are times when people are just not registered when they go to vote.”

The process for registering to vote on primary day in Illinois is simple. You must bring two forms of identification, and one must include your current address. Of course, a driver’s license or state ID are the most common forms of photo ID accepted, but a photo ID card from a college or university is also allowed. Other appropriate documentation includes utility bills, government check, paycheck, bank statement, or any government-issued document that contains your name and address.

Illinois voters who wish to take advantage of the Election Day registration but do not have significant identification may still register and cast a provisional ballot at the primary election. For your choice to be counted, however, you must submit the required ID forms within one week after the primary.

The Illinois State Board of Elections states that all Illinois voters must be at least 18 years of age (a 17-year-old is allowed to vote in the Illinois primary as long the voter will be 18 before the presidential election takes place), a United States citizen, and must be a resident of the precinct in which one is registering for at least 30 days.

Unlike primary elections in some states, the Illinois primary does not limit voters to those who are registered with a certain party, notes Red Eye Chicago. Those participating in the Illinois primary election will be required to request either a Democrat or a Republican ballot.

All of the top presidential candidates, as well as their supporters, have released ads targeting those participating in the Illinois primary.

So what are you waiting for, Illinois voters? Get out there and make your opinions count. Vote today for your favorite presidential candidate! The Illinois primary is open until 7 p.m.

[Image via Shutterstock]

Share this article: Registered Or Not, It’s Not Too Late To Vote In The Illinois Primary!
illinois
More from Inquisitr