THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE FOR THE 2018 MIDTERM ELECTION IS TODAY*. Change the world. Determine the outcome. Make the most of your basic American privilege and vote, vote, vote.
If you’re not sure how, there are a few rules you should note, as per the Illinois Online Voter Registration website:
- You must be a United States Citizen.
- You must be 17 years old on or before the date of the Primary Election and turn 18 on or before the date of the Midterm Election.
- You must live in your election precinct at least 30 days prior to Election Day.
- You must not be serving a sentence of confinement in any penal institution as a result of a conviction.
- You may not claim the right to vote anywhere else.
Now that we have the logistics out of the way, maybe you’re not really sure if you’re already registered or you think your registration is still pending. There’s a way to look yourself up before we get started! Just head here and type in your first and last name, date of birth, and your zip code. It will then ask you to verify your street number before it lets you know your registration status. If you’re already in, great! All you have to do is show up on voting day. If not, we’re here for you. Just follow these simple steps.
- Click https://ova.elections.il.gov/Step0.aspx to start the application.
- First, you’ll have to identify whether or not you have a driver’s license or state ID. The way you fill out the application will be based on whether you choose yes or no. But it’s definitely okay if it’s a no. You still have a right to vote.
- Next, you’ll go through all of the necessary personal information, verifying that you are a U.S. citizen and eligible per your age.
- Once you have all that filled it, the application will let you know which county your election jurisdiction is in. If you agree, just go to the next page. If there’s somehow a mistake, you can select the correct county from the drop-down.
- Complete the final steps, just verifying the information you put in, and click Finish. The application will warn you that you are not yet registered until someone has reviewed and authorized your registration application.
- The final page will once again remind you of your election jurisdiction, as well as provide you an address, email, phone number, and a contact person if you have any questions regarding the voting process. You’ll also be provided with your registration ID in case you want to check its status later.
You’re all set! Once you’ve submitted your application, it doesn’t usually take too long, but it can take up to 5-7 weeks, which is why the deadline is so early. All that’s left to do now is wait, but come next election day, November 6, you’ll want to know what’s required of you. I mean, you only have one day to get it right, so new voters especially should be aware of what you need to bring with you on election day. Per the Illinois Online Voter Registration website, you must:
- Appear in person at one of the designated locations for registration and voting
- Be a United States citizen
- Be a resident of the precinct for 30 days
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Provide two forms of ID, one of which must show the voter’s address that they are registering from. The acceptable forms of ID include, but are not limited to:
- Driver’s license
- Social Security card
- Utility bill
- Employee or student ID card
- Lease or contract for a residence
- Credit card
- Civic, union or professional association membership card
- FOID card
Now get out there. America needs you.
*Granted, there is always a grace period because it seems the government is determined to get every eligible voter voting. The grace period starts tomorrow, October 10, and ends on October 21. You can absolutely register to vote in person, but online is much easier, so I would take advantage of that while you can. It doesn’t take more than a few minutes, and it makes all the difference in the world. Register to vote today!