Students' message: Get out and vote

On June 16 in Naperville, Marjory Stoneman Douglas students offered a concise message of REV, an acronym for Register, Educate and Vote.

I believe the last step, Vote, will be the hardest for many 18-year-olds in November. If you ask a student what their plan to get to the polls on Nov. 6 to cast your vote is, the reply will often be a perplexed look that reads, "I don't get it. What do you mean, my plan?"

Please remind new voters that Nov. 6 is a Tuesday, a school day and not a holiday, and the polls are open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Will they vote early on their way to school? Or do they usually run late on school mornings and plan to vote after school? What about after their club meetings, band practice, a music lesson, or sports? Will their sponsor, music teacher, or coach excuse them from their scheduled commitments on Nov. 6? They need to be aware the polls close at 7 p.m. so they don't miss out.

The League of Women Voters also points out that many voters of all ages are confused about what can be done online in Illinois with regard to voting. You can register to vote online; however, you cannot vote online. In addition to voting on Election Day at an assigned polling place, Illinoisans can choose to vote early and in person at designated locations, or they can vote before Election Day by mail.

Nov. 6 is not a good day for surprises.

Bev George

Naperville