Politics & Government

Voting Registration Reminder

Deadline draws closer for the April 5 consolidated elections.

As we continue to cook up our election coverage here at the Wilmette-Kenilworth Patch HQ, please consider this a public service announcement: the deadline to register to vote in the April 5 consolidated election is Tuesday, March 8. 

"Voter participation in local elections is crucial if residents want to influence issues closely affecting their communities," Cook County Clerk David Orr said in a statement. "Unfortunately, less than a third of registered voters typically cast ballots in the consolidated election." (See the chart below.)

How do you register? Good question. And most of the answers can be found in this accompanying YouTube video, produced by the Cook County Clerk's Office.  A few important reminders:  

Find out what's happening in Wilmette-Kenilworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • You must be a U.S. citizen
  • You must be 18 years old by election day
  • You must be a resident of your precinct for at least 30 days prior to the election

And if you've moved recently or changed names, you'll have to re-register with your current address.

Voter registration forms can be found here. They'll need to be completed and sent to the Cook County Clerk's Office at 69 W. Washington, Fifth Floor, Chicago, IL 60602.

Find out what's happening in Wilmette-Kenilworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Or, you can register in person at a handful of suburban locations. For Wilmette and Kenilworth residents, the closest 5600 W. Old Orchard Road, Room 149 in Skokie. Bring two forms of ID, including one that shows your current address.

A list of candidates can also be found on the County Clerk's website, where you can check your registration status and find information on your polling place. 

TURNOUT IN CONSOLIDATED ELECTIONS
Source: Cook County Clerk's Office 

 

Year

Registered Voters Ballots Cast Percent Turnout 1999  1,334,905 263,452 19.7% 2001 1,302,197  377,595 29.0% 2003 1,321,089 300,484 22.7% 2005 1,418,280 382,587 27.0% 2007 1,371,803 236,050 17.2% 2009 1,463,070 304,766 20.8% 2011 TBD TBD TBD


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here