As the Honors Program, we emphasize the importance of an active student body and civic engagement. Voting is one of the most important ways to make your voice heard in order to shape your community. This guide will help you navigate your right to vote in order to be prepared for this coming election on November 5th!

Criteria to vote:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a United States citizen 
• Reside in the jurisdiction for at least 30 days before the election

How to register to vote:

Out of State Students

Voting by mail is a great way for out of state students to vote. However, regulations, deadlines, and applications for mail-in ballots differ from state to state. To see if you can still receive your mail-in ballot visit Absentee & Early Voting and select your state. Click here to see deadlines for each state.

College students do have a unique choice. You can either vote in your home state or in the state you attend college (you can only vote in one place, though!). Where you want to vote could depend on a number of things. Ask yourself: What issues are important to you? Which candidates are running? Where do you want your voice to be heard? How will your vote be impactful? The choice is completely up to you. If you want to vote in Illinois instead of your home state follow the steps below to register. 

There are two ways to register to vote in Illinois at this time. You can: 

• Register Online:
  • You can register online to vote up to 16 days before the election (Deadline is Sunday, October 20th, 2024)
  • A state-issued ID is required to register online 
  • Register here
• Register in Person:
  • You can register to vote in person with a certified registrar by visiting: 
    • Cook County City Clerk Locations
    • A township, city, or village clerk 
    • State government offices, like a drivers license facility, and public assistance and military recruitment offices
      • You can register to vote when you renew or obtain your state ID or driver’s license 
    • A certified Deputy Registrar 
      • For more information, visit this link
  • Make sure to check hours of operations to ensure that these locations are open and available. You must provide two forms of identification, and one must include your current address. 

You can also register to vote on Election Day, but only at your home precinct. You must also bring two forms of identification including your current address. 

If you reside in the City of Chicago, you can use this voter tool to verify your registration, find your nearest polling place or voter center, verify the status of your Vote By Mail application or Permanent Roster enrollment, and find the contact information. Cook County voters have access to this tool to find the same information. 

Although the presidential election is what we might be hearing the most about, there are many local elections in Chicago to be aware of as well. This year, you will have the opportunity to vote for the Cook County State’s Attorney. The Cook County State’s Attorney is responsible for prosecuting misdemeanor and felony crimes in Cook County. This position, as the top prosecutor job of the county, is often seen as a link to establish bigger policies and political tone of the state. In 2023, the incumbent Kim Foxx, announced that she will not seek re-election. This is a race to watch, with Democratic candidate Eileen O’Neill Burke, and Republican Candidate Bob Fioretti. 

This election is also monumental because for the first time in history, Chicago voters can select a partially elected school board. Currently, Chicago Public Schools has seven governor appointed members. This will expand to 21 members, 10 of whom are publicly elected. 

5 Reasons Why you Should Vote

1. National elections are not the only elections

Local elections are incredibly important for the way our government functions. Local elections are a direct reflection of your community. Voting, not just in federal elections, is your chance to elect people who represent your own ideas and values. Elected officials make big decisions impacting our everyday lives. Voting in local elections is the chance to use your voice and make a difference in your community.

1. It’s your own money 

How much resources will your local schools receive? How much money will go to fixing that one pothole? How funded is public transportation? You are a tax-paying citizen, and you should care where your money is going. Voting is your way to control what the government is doing with your money. 

1. Your Vote DOES count

Many people hold the idea that their vote doesn’t count. Even if you’re in a big city or a state dominated by one party, your vote still counts. Presidential races are getting closer and closer. As of recent polls, Kamala Harris is in the lead by only 2.5 points. Yes, victory of one candidate by just your vote isn’t likely but, as mentioned before, local elections are just as important. In state and local elections, your vote matters more than you know. You could be the change. 

1. You ARE affected 

“Why should I care, it doesn’t affect me?” is something you might have heard someone say or even said yourself. But when it comes to voting, you are affected. Have you ever run over a pothole? Taken public transportation? Gone to the hospital? Gone to school? Had a job? The list goes on. The people who make decisions that change our systems in place are voted into office by us. 

1. It’s your right! 

The right to vote, for many people and groups, has not always been guaranteed and has been at times a hard-fought battle. There are still groups who experience disenfranchisement regarding the right to vote. By voting, you are maintaining the right to vote for yourself and others. Voting is a privilege and a way to represent yourself and your community. 

Take a couple minutes out of your day to register to vote and review your ballot! The deadline to register online in Illinois is Sunday, October 20th. To see a sample ballot, go to ballotpedia.org and type in your address. It will show you a sample ballot as well as information about every candidate. Voting is important and your vote DOES matter. See you on Election Day!

By Camila Hernandez and Roan Daley

References

Ballotpedia, ballotpedia.org/Main_Page. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

Communications, NAU. “Why We Vote.” The_NAU_Review, news.nau.edu/why-we-vote/. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

Elections, Illinois State Board of. “Welcome to the Illinois Online Voter Registration Application Website.” Illinois Online Voter Registration Application: Home Page, ova.elections.il.gov/. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

“Hours and Locations: Cook County Clerk.” Hours and Locations | Cook County Clerk, www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/locations. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

“How to Register in Illinois.” Vote.Gov, vote.gov/register/illinois. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

Illinois Election 2024 Guide: Local Voting Information – Axios Chicago, www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/09/23/illinois-election-voter-guide-2024. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

“Voter Registration.” Voter Registration | Cook County Clerk, www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/elections/voter-registration. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

“Your Voter Information.” Your Voter Information | Chicago Board of Elections, chicagoelections.gov/voting/your-voter-information. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.