'Get the Zed Out' event March 28 to welcome young voters

It's spring break time and Danny's on Douglas in downtown Elgin is having a "staycation party" with a purpose.

A "Get the Zed Out" free event to attract young Elgin Gen Z and millennial voters will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 28, at Danny's on Douglas, 231 Douglas Ave.

The free "Get the Zed Out" event, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the Elgin Area, will feature plenty of free pizza, Elgin's Mama Lee's popcorn, music, and a good time.

It will provide an opportunity for people to learn more about Grace Period Voter Registration and the upcoming April 2 election.

"While all are welcome," said Wendy Covich, of the League of Women Voters of Elgin, "a big goal of this nonpartisan gathering is to get young people informed and engaged in the electoral process so they will head to the polls."

"It's never been easier to register to vote and with early voting locations and mail-in ballots, it has never been easier to cast your vote, too," added Covich.

Now during Early Voting through April 2, Elgin voters will be electing a mayor as well as city council members, and Elgin Community College District 509 and Elgin Area School District U-46 board members.

League of Women Voters of the Elgin Area and Elgin Standing Together volunteers will have information on hand about where to register and vote in advance or on the day of the election.

Organizers have also invited all candidates running for local offices to the mixer.

"Voter turnout typically has been low for these off-year elections at around 13 percent," said Ramona Burns of Elgin Standing Together. "We're hoping 'Get the Zed Out' will bring up those numbers. After all, decisions made by the local government have a direct impact on our daily lives. Parents may fret about what they pay in property and sales taxes and other fees for services. What the City Council and School Boards do should also matter to young people."

Host and owner of Danny's on Douglas, Jerry Dalton, is pleased to host the event. "It's spring break and while it might not be a trip to the beach, the 'Get the Zed Out' event should be fun," Dalton said. "Those attending will learn about the upcoming Elgin election, registering to vote and becoming a better and informed citizen all in one place."

For more information, visit Elgin Standing Together at www.facebook.com/ElginStandingTogether/ or League of Women Voters of the Elgin Area at www.facebook.com/LWVElginArea/.