Dear Friends and Neighbors,
In the 2014 midterm primaries only 19% of eligible voters went to the polls. That embarrassingly small cohort chose the candidates we could vote on in November.
This is NOT what democracy looks like!
With all the important issues on the front burner this year, it is important that everyone cast their vote. So here is some information to help you get informed and out to vote in the upcoming Primary election.
Note: Most of the links below are for residents of Suburban Cook County.
If you live in the City https://chicagoelections.com
or another County, check your County Clerk’s website.
The election is Tuesday, March 20th
To find out “Where is my polling place”
https://www.cookcountyclerk.com/service/your-voter-information
Early voting is Monday, March 5 – Monday March 19
In Park Ridge – The Centennial Activity Center, 100 S Western Ave (not the Fitness Center)
Hours: Monday – Friday Mar. 5 – Mar. 9 9AM – 5PM
Mar. 12 – Mar. 16 9AM – 7PM Note evening hours
Mar. 19- 9AM – 5PM
Saturday Mar. 10- 9AM – 5PM
Saturday Mar. 17- 9AM – 5PM
Sunday Mar. 11- 10AM – 4PM
Sunday Mar. 18- 10AM – 4PM
Links to early voting sites not in Park Ridge
Suburban Cook County https://www.cookcountyclerk.com/service/early-voting-locations
City of Chicago https://chicagoelections.com/en/early-voting.html
What do you need to Early Vote?
- Voters do not need to provide an excuse or reason why they cannot vote on Election Day.
- Government-issued photo ID is NOT required but is helpful if there is a question about the voters registration, address or signature.
You can Register to Vote at ALL Early Voting sites. Note: Any voter who needs to register for the first time or file an address change must present two forms of ID one of which shows the voter’s current address.
If you need to vote by mail (Your ballot must be postmarked no later than March 20.)
Here’s a link for the “vote by mail” application
https://www.cookcountyclerk.com/agency/vote-mail
Note: there are links on this page to the City of Chicago and other NE IL Counties
Why print a sample ballot before you go to the polls?
- So you know who the candidates are for each office
- So you can research the candidates and decide who to vote for
- So you can take it into the voting booth to insure you vote how you intend to
Here’s how to find a sample ballot
- Suburban Cook County: https://www.cookcountyclerk.com/service/your-voter-information
- Put in the information required and click “Submit”
- Then click on “What’s on my upcoming ballot”
- Then choose which Party’s sample ballot you want
- City of Chicago: https://chicagoelections.com/en/your-voter-information.html
Don’t skip the Judges
For Bar Association evaluations of Judicial Candidates
Print the evaluations and take them with you into the voting booth
Illinois State Bar Association:
https://www.isba.org/judicialevaluations
Cook County Bar Association: https://cookcountybar.org/sites/www.cookcountybar.org/files/assets/FINAL%202018%20PRIMARY%20JEC%20Ratings%20%281%29.pdf
Chicago Bar Association: http://www.chicagobar.org/eDownloads/Primary2018Pocket.pdf
After you’ve voted
- Put your “I voted” sticker on your chest
- Take a selfie
- Post it on whatever social media you favor
- Pat yourself on the back
- Encourage your friends and family to VOTE
actionridgepr.com 