Voting Before Election Day

In Illinois, eligible voters may optionally participate in early voting.

This information is provided by the Illinois State Board of Elections:

WHEN CAN PEOPLE VOTE?
The general election is November 4, 2008, but eligible voters can vote at early voting centers as early as October 13.

WHAT IS EARLY VOTING?
Illinois voters may cast a ballot prior to Election Day without having to provide a reason or an excuse for wanting to vote early.

WHEN IS EARLY VOTING CONDUCTED?
Registered voters can vote early during the period established by state law. Some early voting centers will open on Monday, October 13, a state holiday (Columbus Day), and others will open on Tuesday, October 14, 2008. Check with your election authority for details. Early voting ends, at all locations, on Thursday, October 30, 2008.

DO MANY PEOPLE VOTE EARLY?
The number of people voting early increases with every election. In the 2008 primary election, counting absentee voting, almost 11% of the votes were cast before Election Day.

WHY DO PEOPLE VOTE EARLY?
Many people say they simply think voting early is more convenient and others suggest they want to avoid long lines at the polling place on Election Day. No reason is required to vote at an early voting center. Approximately 35 states have some form of early voting.

For additional information on early voting, please check out the Illinois State Board of Elections website.

Whether you decide to vote early or on Election Day, I strongly encourage you to vote.

Jim Starwalt

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Jim Starwalt, Broker Associate RE/MAX Center, Phone: 847-548-2625 Jim@StarHomeFinders.com