DuPage voting questions? We have answers
Months of campaign-season hype culminate today when DuPage and Will county voters make their choices known in dozens of political contests.
Voters will select winners in races ranging from county boards to the presidency. They'll also settle 21 referendums for issues involving schools, parks, libraries and other government agencies.
To help you fulfill your Election Day duty, we've compiled answers to 10 common election-related questions, courtesy of the county election officials.
So read on -- and then go vote!
Q. Can I see what's on my ballot before I go vote?
A. Certainly. At the DuPage Election Commission's Web site, www.dupageelections.com, registered voters can check on their ballots by clicking on the "for voters" link on the left-hand side of the home page. You'll be able to view Democratic, Republican and Green Party ballots. The Will County Clerk's Web site, www.willclrk.com, lists every post up for grabs throughout the county, but you have to go to your polling place to find out specifically what's on your ballot.
Q. Do I have to disclose my political party preference?
A. Yes and no. Illinois primary rules require you to request a ballot for a particular party, unlike general elections. But, if you want to vote only on non-partisan issues, you can get a ballot that contains only referendums.
Q. How do I know where to vote?
A. Once again, go to the Web. In DuPage, you can enter your address using a particular link. For Will County voters in Naperville, click on the "voting and polling places" link to find your location. The information is also on your voter registration card.
Q. When can I vote?
A. All polling places open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
Q. What if I get to the polling place and am told I'm not registered?
A. You can use a provisional ballot and then have 48 hours to provide documents supporting your claim of registration to the county clerk's office.
Q. I'm disabled. Can I vote?
A. Absolutely! DuPage County provides a special touch screen that also includes an audio ballot. In Will County, a machine called the ES&S AutoMARK voting system will be available at all polling places to serve voters who are blind, have limited vision or limited dexterity that prevents them from marking a ballot without assistance. Curbside voting is available for people who are physically unable to enter polling places in Will County, but they ask those voters to call ahead and schedule their vote during non-peak hours.
Q. How can I monitor DuPage and Will counties' voting results tonight?
A. Look no further than the Daily Herald's Web site, www.dailyherald.com. The DuPage Election Commission's results page is updated every 15 to 20 minutes, and the Will County Clerk's results link is on the front page.
Q. I want to talk to my spouse when I vote so I don't mess up. Can I make a cellular telephone call inside a polling place?
A. No. Using a cellular telephone in a polling place may constitute electioneering.
Q. Who do I contact if there are problems or irregularities at a polling place?
A. For DuPage, you can call (630) 407-5600 to talk to an election commission representative. In Will County, call the clerk's main line at (815) 740-4615 and they will direct you to the state's attorney's hotline.
Q. I didn't register for this election but want to vote in November. When can I register?
A. Voter registration re-opens Thursday.