[il-talk] Changes in voting from EFE

[Gregory Chang Patti]

VOTING NEWS FROM EQUIP FOR EQUALITY


Recently, there have been a number of changes that have expanded voting rights and made voter registration and voting easier.  

Online Voter Registration
On July 1, 2014, the Illinois State Board of Elections started an online voter registration system that allows you to register to vote or update your voter registration electronically on the internet (online).  This system is only for voter registration. You cannot vote online.  
To use this new system go to https://ovr.elections.il.gov/.  

Note: To use the online system to register to vote, you must provide an Illinois Driver’s License Number or State Identification Card Number.  If you do not have either form of ID, contact the Secretary of State to find out how to get one.  You can call 1-800-252-8980 or visit cyberdriveilliinois.com.

 Applying for an Absentee Ballot Online
Absentee voting is also known as voting by mail.  Anyone can vote using an absentee ballot for any reason. 

As of July 1, 2014, any registered voter may apply for an absentee ballot online. The online application for an absentee ballot will be available on your election authority’s website at least 90 days before the election.  You should contact your election authority if you have questions about how this works.

After checking that you are a registered voter, the election authority will send a paper ballot to the address you provide in your application. The last day to apply for an absentee ballot online is five days before an election.

Once you receive the ballot in the mail, you must fill out the ballot and then mail it back.  You must mail it back in the envelope given to you and you must sign and seal it, as instructed.  If you mail it back, it must be postmarked no later than midnight on the night before the election. If you wish, you may take your ballot to the election authority and vote your ballot there.  

You may receive help in marking your absentee ballot.  The person helping you must sign the envelope, stating that they helped you.

Same Day Voter Registration Pilot Program
If you miss the last day to register to vote, you may still register to vote and vote during a special time called the “grace period”.  Usually, the grace period runs from the 28th day before an election until the 3rd day before an election.  For the November 2014 general election, the time for grace period registration and voting will continue until the polls close at 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.  This means that people who miss the voter registration deadline will be able to register and vote on the same day as the election. 

To register during the grace period you must go in person to the election authority’s office or to another place chosen by the election authority, and you must vote at the same time.   You should contact your local election authority if you wish to register and vote during the grace period or if you have questions about how this works. 

You must bring two forms of identification with you, with at least one that has your current address.  The types of ID you may use include: 
Driver’s License
Illinois State ID
Public Assistance ID Card (including Medicaid card)
Social Security Card
Library Card
Recent Utility Bill
Credit Card
Birth Certificate

Early Voting  
Registered voters can vote before Election Day by going to a place chosen by the election authority for early voting.  All early voting places must be physically accessible.  

For the November 2014 general election only, early voting will be open from 15 days before the election through the Sunday before Election Day.  The hours for early voting have also been increased until 7:00 pm during the week before Election Day and from 10:00 am-4:00 pm on the Sunday before Election Day.

Before you vote, it is important to check the hours and places for early voting.  You should contact your local election authority to ask.   

For Further Information: 
Voting Information - Illinois State Board of Elections, a public website, contains voting information, lists of Illinois counties and addresses and phone numbers and websites for various county election authorities.

ANY QUESTIONS?  Contact Melissa Picciola at 312-341-0022 ext. 7328 or voting at equipforequality.org. 



Live the Life You Want.

Patti Gregory Chang
National Federation of the Blind of Illinois, President
NFB Scholarship Committee Chair 
pattischang at gmail.com
www.nfbofillinois.org