Voting is a fundamental civic duty that empowers citizens to influence government decisions and shape the future of their communities. The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan political organization designed to help people vote. They inform voters on different current events with an unbiased perspective, as well as helping voters register and vote. I had the pleasure to speak with the voter service director of the Naperville precinct and ask her some questions regarding voting.
Are there programs or initiatives for pre registering for people younger than 18?
The state is in charge of that. When you go to the DMV to get your license, they ask if you want to preregister to vote. When you become of age, the state will reach out to the league and let them know. You can also go to the state’s website and preregister from there.
Are there any forms of civic engagement that the league offers?
They work with voter registration drives at high schools. They give presentations to some high schools. They also encourage students to become election judges. Working with students to write postcards, giving out interviews(such as this), doing public service announcements to try and reach Gen-z, and going to different student events.
What are some common barriers that you have seen from young people when trying to vote?
It starts with the belief that they can’t make a difference. Once they believe that they can make a difference, they go from believing and having an interest, then to understanding how to vote, then registering and learning the different names on the ballot.
How would I register to vote?
There are a number of ways:
Deputy registrar: These are early in the election cycle and often have events in high schools.
States website: You need your SSN and some form of ID like a drivers license.
Register and vote the same day: Go to the early voting places to do this. In Will County you can go to Joliet and register to vote.
Are there deadlines in regards to registering to vote?
Yes, deputy registrar: Oct 8. Registering online: Oct 20. You can register and vote on election day, which is special to Illinois because you can’t do it in every state.
Is there anything I need to bring with me for registering to vote?
Yes, 2 forms of ID in person(one has to have a current address). Most common forms would be DL and student ID.
Is there anything I need to bring with me on election day to vote?
No, as long as you are registered you are good.
What are the different ways to vote besides going in on election day?
Illinois has many options:
Vote by mail: Paper ballot to your home address, fill it out and send it back to the county. You can use postage and put in mail or put in drop boxes(one at 95th lib). You don’t need a reason(some states you need a reason).
In person: For early voting go to Joliet. On Oct 21, early voting locations expand(including 95th street library).
How to register to vote by mail?
Go to your county’s election website, fill out an application, and they will send it.
How do I know where my voting place is on election day?
There is a number of places:
Can use your states website, counties election website, or vote411.org and follow the prompts and find out. And in dupage county, you can vote in any location.
What are the different office positions I vote for on election day?
Wide range this time:
President and VP, House of Representatives(all up for reelection), State senator/state representatives, County wide offices(coroner,state attorney, etc.), judges(hard to research about), and referendums. Referendums are questions that give officials an idea of how the public feels about a certain topic. There is a 204 referendum up for election on the ballot.
Any recommendations for nonpartisan blogs?
Their nonpartisan blog vote411.org, not just for the state but for the whole country, can get a copy of the ballot to see what is up for election, they ask elective questions and put those answers in their voter guide.
In conclusion, understanding the various aspects of voter registration and participation is key to becoming an informed and engaged citizen. The League of Women Voters provides valuable resources and support, especially for younger voters, to ensure that everyone can have a voice in shaping their government and community.
