2010 Illinois Primary Election Guide
Every election cycle, I have friends that ask me questions about registering to vote, where to vote, how to pick judges, etc. I put together some information for IL voters that I hope you will find helpful. There are no biased opinions here — just facts about where you can find more information about your ballot and how to vote in this election. Please feel free to share this with others — esp. the ones you have a sneaking suspicion may be too shy to ask these questions! And please share any great resources you’ve found.
Thanks! Now get out and VOTE!
-Ramona
Can I still register to vote?
No. Regular voter registration ended Jan. 5 (the standard one month prior to an election), and grace period registration ended Jan. 26.
You should register to vote after this primary election so that you can vote in the regular election on Nov. 2.
What are we voting for in IL?
In the February 2, 2010 Gubernatorial Primary Election, IL voters will cast ballots that include:
- U.S. Senator
- U.S. Representatives
- Governor
- Lieutenant Governor
- Attorney General
- Secretary of State
- State Comptroller
- State Treasurer
- State Senators (some)
- State Representatives
- Cook County Board President
- Cook County Commissioners
- Cook County Assessor
- Cook County Clerk
- Cook County Treasurer
- Cook County Sheriff
- Cook County Board of Review Commissioner (1st district)
- Appellate and Circuit Court Judges
- Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioners (some)
- Regional Superintendent of Schools
- Democratic, Republican & Green Party Township Committeemen
- Various statewide, countywide and local referenda questions
Do I have to declare a political party preference?
Yes. In primary elections, you will be asked which political party’s ballot you would like to vote.
What will my ballot look like? Where do I go to vote?
Remember that you can print out your ballot, mark it up with your voting preferences, and take it into the voting booth with you. You do not have to vote on memory alone!
In suburban Cook County, you can see your exact ballot and polling place at the Cook County Clerk’s website.
In Chicago, go to ChicagoElections.com.
In other parts of IL, go to the IL State Board of Elections.
If you want to see what referenda might appear on your ballot, the IL State Board of Elections provides a handy Referenda Search. (It’s a bit clunky, so you’re better off just looking at your exact ballot using the links above.)
What time are the polls open?
Polls are open from 6am to 7pm every Election Day.
What is early voting and where/when can I do it?
Early voting ended Jan. 28. However, you can cast an in-person absentee ballot from Jan. 29 to Feb. 1. For more info, go to the Cook County Clerk’s website.
How do I get an absentee ballot?
Jan. 28 was the last day to request a mail-in absentee ballot.
The options available to you now are to cast an in-person absentee ballot (see above) or to vote in person, at your polling place, on Feb. 2.
How do I know which judges to vote for?
Voting for judges is important. It’s a big part of your ballot, but it doesn’t take a lot of extra work to figure out which ones to support.
In Cook County, go to VoteForJudges.org. Read through the home page and then go to the Evaluations page to get your guide.
I use this guide to help me pick judges every time I vote. I print out the PDF version, highlight the judges I will vote for, and take that with me into the voting booth.
In the rest of IL, check the Illinois State Bar Association’s evaluations. The ISBA is only one of the bar associations included in the VoteForJudges Cook County guide, but it’s the only current statewide guide I’ve been able to find. Please share others you know of!
What kind of voting equipment will I use?
You may choose to use a paper ballot or an electronic touch-screen machine. Instructions should be posted at your polling place; you can also ask an election judge for assistance.
What if I show up and they tell me I can’t vote?
If you believe you are registered to vote and are at the correct polling place, ask for a “provisional ballot.” The election judges must provide you with at least a provisional ballot. They cannot turn you away. If they deny you the right to vote, call your County Clerk’s office. (Take the phone number with you to your polling place just in case.)
Don’t be shy about this. You know from previous elections and even reports from this year that people tamper with elections. You have every right to cast your ballot without interference or intimidation. And you have every right to tell your election authority to get their butts out to your polling place if anyone gives you trouble.
Know Your Rights
This is your Voter Bill of Rights. Read it – it’s important.
Voter Bill of Rights
- Cast your ballot in a non-disruptive atmosphere free of interference.
- Vote if you’re in line by 7pm.
- Vote by provisional ballot if your registration is not found.
- Vote a full ballot at your old polling place if you have moved within 30 days of the election.
- Request voting assistance, if needed.
- Bring newspaper endorsements or sample ballots into the voting booth.
- Protect the secrecy of your ballot.
- Receive a new ballot if you make a mistake or change your mind.
- Review your ballot to ensure it’s complete and correct.
- Have your ballot counted fairly and impartially.
Have more questions?
Lastly, if you have any questions at all about this year’s elections, ASK ME. Even if you don’t live in IL, I can help you find the answers to your questions. I would be happy to help you.
