Mystery solved: Register to vote at local library

"Voter registration is often a mystery," she said. "For some odd reason, people just don't know where to go. They're really pleased when they find out most public libraries register voters."

I was talking to Judy Hoffman, marketing communications specialist here at the North Suburban Library System and active member of the League of Women Voters of Evanston. Hoffman has been pushing public libraries as ideal places for voter registration because "Everybody knows where the public library is and the library typically has long open hours including nights and weekends. Presented with the opportunity to register to vote while visiting the library - who can say no?" Hoffman said.

Public library directors think voter registration at the library is a worthy and appropriate service. Mike Madden, director, Schaumburg Township District Library reported, "Our library has been registering voters for over seven years. It's done at our Information Desk seven days a week any hour that the library is open. The service has brought some new people into the library, but it is also a wonderful opportunity for those who work and have limited hours when they can register. It's a fast process and normally takes no more than three minutes."

Wauconda Area Library also offers voter registration during all hours of business. Director Tom Kern wrote, "We consider this an important service to the community. Generally, about 10 people register per month at the library, but that changes significantly as the registration deadline for an upcoming election approaches. Dozens of people usually show up to register the evening of that last day of registration, and they are always very grateful that we provide this service."

The Evanston Public Library is cooperating with the Evanston League of Women Voters to present "VoterPalooza," a special voter registration "festival" if you will.

"There will be nine downtown Evanston "stages" where voters can register in nontraditional settings like restaurants, stores, fitness centers, and of course, the library," says Hoffman. "Thanks to new legislation, Illinois residents can now register to vote anywhere in the state. Have you moved since the last time you voted? Then you need to register again. VoterPalooza provides the prime opportunity to make sure your voice is heard this election, and also to experience our vibrant downtown and lakefront."

VoterPalooza will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27. For location information, visit www.lwve.org, and click on "Voting in Evanston."

While Hoffman identified "location" as the first big mystery or barrier to voter registration, the second might be "necessary paperwork."

In other words, what documentation is needed for voter registration? Hoffman said, "It's easy. Just two forms of identification, one with your current address. You must be 18 years of age by Election Day, Nov. 4, 2008. Also you must be a U.S. citizen. If you're a naturalized citizen, bring the exact date and place of naturalization when you register."

Don't leave registering to vote to the last minute.

The last day to register for the Nov. 4 elections is Tuesday, Oct. 7. Outside of Chicago, the final word in voter registration is the clerk in every Illinois county. Following are links for area county Web sites:

Cook County (suburbs): www.voterinfonet.com.

Lake County: www.co.lake.il.us/cntyclk/elections.

Kane County: www.kanecountyelections.org.

DuPage County: www.dupageelections.com/main.asp.

Hear more of my topical discussion with Judy Hoffman on my podcast at www.librarybeat.org/longxxshots.