Steve's Blog

As you probably know, the law was changed to allow voters to put themselves on a list to receive their ballots in the mail. To learn more about the process, click here. To many, this runs counter to the notion that elections should be conducted on a specific day and at a polling place. Unfortunately, that’s not the world in which we live anymore. The reality is that we need to work within the system we now have and make the best of our political choices within that system.
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Early voting begins next week in Illinois, and I’d like for you to consider having your ballot mailed to you. Think of this as a “belt and suspenders” option. What I mean is that even though you would receive a ballot in the mail, you would still have the option to surrender that ballot at your local polling place and receive a ballot that you could vote in the traditional way. However, if for some reason you couldn’t make it to your polling place, you’d still be able to make your vote count by mailing in your ballot.
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Another thing to think about is the fact that you will receive a ballot for all of the local elections that happen outside the normal cycle. I’m talking about City Council, Township, School and Library Board elections. These are usually low-turnout elections which give activists the opportunity to have an outsized influence on local events. Having a ballot mailed to you will remind you to check up on what’s at stake in these local elections and ensure that your voice will be heard.
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If you wish to be put on the “Vote by Mail” list, click here and you’ll be taken directly to the County Clerk’s website where you can download the application to be filled out and sent back to the Clerk. Please make sure your voice is heard.