Primary Election Prep in a Nutshell
By Chris Johnson
We’re seriously in the home stretch now, so let’s be sure we have our voting ducks (voting ducks??) in a row.
1. Registration
· If you’re already registered, confirm your status at https://ova.elections.il.gov/RegistrationLookup.aspx.
· If you aren’t registered, or if you know anyone who isn’t registered – including young people who will turn 18 before the November 6, 2018 general election (yes, that includes high school students) – there’s still time for in-person registration:
o Until March 19: At the Election Commission or any Early Voting Location; find a list of those locations here.
o On March 20 (election day): At your polling place.
o ID requirements for any in-person registration: Bring two pieces of identification, one of which must include your current address.
2. Research
· If you’re still undecided about any of the races, the DGTD website has links to all of the candidate websites – check them out! http://www.dgdemocrats.org/, Candidates tab.
· Find a sample ballot for your precinct at https://www.dupageco.org/VoterLookup/. If you print it out, you can mark your choices AND bring it into the voting booth with you.
3. Voting method
You still have options!
· Vote by Mail: Get an application at https://www.elections.il.gov/VotingInformation/VotingByMail.aspx, and mail it in so that will be received by the Board of Elections by March 15. After you get your ballot, fill it out and return it; it must be postmarked by March 20.
· In-person Early Voting, through March 19: Find locations at Early Voting Locations, Dates and Hours.
· Election Day Voting, March 20: Find your polling place at https://www.dupageco.org/VoterLookup/. NOTE that there have been some changes; your polling place may have changed since last time you voted.
o ASK FOR A PAPER BALLOT IF IT ISN’T OFFERED TO YOU. More tamper-resistant than touchscreen, and can be recounted if a recount is necessary.
o Be safe and bring ID with you – something other than your Voter ID card. No, they are not supposed to ask for it – but your most important job on Election Day is to cast a vote. You can report the improper request to a Democratic poll watcher, and/or report it to the Election Commission after the fact.
4. Why should I bother doing any of this? It’s a mid-term primary and I’m a Democrat in DuPage County.
Many reasons, but try these:
· Lots of Democratic candidates, for a change (wave of the future!). There are nearly 3 times as many Democrats on DuPage County ballots as we’ve had in the past!
· We can make the November races competitive by using this wealth of choices to pick the strongest candidates for the general election.
· A strong primary turnout fuels motivation and enthusiasm in the party base, which is one of the best predictors of success in the general election.
For more information: Go to https://www.elections.il.gov/InfoForVoters.aspx, https://www.dupageco.org/Election/Voting/, or check out the helpful links on the DGTDO website, www.dgdemocrats.org.