Voter registration deadline approaches

Officials say fewer voters are registered in suburban Cook County than during the 2008 general election as the Feb. 21 deadline for registering approaches.

Cook County Clerk David Orr says registration is light now but should pick up before the Nov. 6 general election.

The number of registered voters in suburban Cook County, Illinois’ most populous, is about 50,000 less than the general election in 2008. But the clerk’s office says the number is comparable to the presidential primary that year.

Voters who have moved must re-register at their new addresses. They must live in the precinct at least 30 days before the March 20 primary.

A two-week grace period registration is available for voters who miss the registration deadline for the primary.