Early voting started Monday in suburban Cook County and voters will have until the end of March to cast their ballot in the municipal election coming ahead of April 1 election day.
There are 53 early voting sites in suburban Cook County, according to the county clerk’s office.
Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon has made a push for voter turnout in this Consolidated Election, which usually doesn’t draw as many voters to the polls versus presidential elections.
In a news release earlier this month, Gordon announced launching a “Your Town, Your Vote” voter turnout campaign and mentioned raising awareness about local elections, “which have historically had an alarmingly low turnout rate, despite their hometown significance.”
Up for election are municipal governments — including mayors, village presidents, city council members and village board trustees — school boards, park districts, fire protection districts and other community institutions.
“These positions determine how local tax dollars are spent and oversee essential services that impact residents’ daily lives,” the Gordon release states.
Gordon, whose office oversees suburban elections, pointed out in the release that presidential elections have an average of 70% to 72% turnout in suburban Cook County while local elections like the one coming April 1 “struggle” to engage even 15% to 20% of eligible voters.
“Whether it’s sending your children to local schools, checking out books at the library, or having the peace of mind that police and fire service is just a phone call away, decisions made at the local level shape our communities in ways that directly impact our daily lives,” Gordon stated in the release.
Information on registering to vote is online. Registration is available on Election Day.
Voters may visit any early voting location, not just the one in their town.
Morton Grove
Morton Grove American Legion Memorial Civic Center, 6140 Dempster St., Morton Grove.
Hours: Monday through Friday, March 17 through 31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, March 22 and March 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays, March 23 and March 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Niles
Location: Niles Village Hall, 1000 Civic Center Drive, Niles.
Hours: Monday through Friday, March 17 through 31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, March 22 and March 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays, March 23 and March 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Park Ridge
Location: Park Ridge City Hall, 505 Butler Place, Park Ridge.
Hours: Monday through Friday, March 17 through 31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, March 22 and March 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays, March 23 and March 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Oakton Community College
Location: P103-104, 7701 N. Lincoln Ave., Skokie.
Hours: Monday through Friday, March 17 through 31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, March 22 and March 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays, March 23 and March 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Skokie Courthouse
Location: 5600 Old Orchard Road, Skokie, Cafeteria, Room 100.
Hours: Monday through Friday, March 17 through 31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, March 22 and March 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays, March 23 and March 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; April 1, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
