The "Good Trouble" Civic Engagement Plan is named in honor of the late Representative John Lewis.
He was a statesman, Civil Rights leader, and a key voice for voting rights in the United States.
BE INFORMED | BE INVOLVED | BE HEARD
Your vote is your say in your future. It is essential that you learn about the proposals, initiatives, and candidates asking for your vote. Visit their websites to learn about their stance on the issues that affect you. Most importantly, support and vote for candidates who support issues that are important to you!
We’re here to help you get informed. We have included some of the resources you need to participate in this year’s elections. Make note of these important dates. Then use the links below to access valuable information about this year’s candidates, find your polling place, and other important details.
IMPORTANT DATES (FOR ILLINOIS ONLY)
September 24, 2020: Early voting begins
October 6, 2020: Deadline to register to vote
October 29, 2020: Last day to request a mail-in/absentee ballot
November 2, 2020: Early voting deadline
November 3, 2020: Election Day/Deadline to submit your vote
2020 National and State Elections
Our country needs strong leadership committed to honesty, equality, and the interests of all Americans. Cast an informed vote in the presidential election, state, county, and judicial elections where decisions are made that affect you and your community. Learn more about the candidates running to be your president and vice president, as well as candidates for other national and state seats!
View National Candidate Information
2020 Regional/Local Elections
This election, you will be voting for more than just the president. You have the opportunity to explore candidates for many positions in the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, State Senate and State House of Representatives that impact the laws and spending that affect our communities. Explore the candidates running for local positions. They represent your vote and oversee policies that directly impact our city and communities.
Local, County and State Candidates and Initiatives
Illinois Fair Tax (Allows for a graduated income tax)
Illinois Fair Tax Amendment Information
Get Informed About Restoring Your Right to Vote
If you have been convicted of a felony and you have served your time and satisfied the conditions of your probation/parole, you can vote in the upcoming election! Just supply documentation that all probations and fines are cleared when you submit your voter registration application. For more information, visit HERE:
General Voting Questions & Information for Cook County
If you reside in Cook County and have general questions about voting in this year’s election, visit HERE
If you live elsewhere in the state, visit the Secretary of State Website
You can only make change if you’re a part of it. Do more than hope for it. Get excited and be engaged to make the change you want to see a reality—register to vote and complete the 2020 census. You have until October 5 to register to vote, and you can do it easily at your local county clerk’s office, Secretary of State website, or public library.
CHECK YOUR REGISTRATION STATUS
Are you unsure of your voter status, or want to double-check your status and voter information before heading to the polls? Visit the link below to check your voter registration status, confirm your address and view voting locations in your area.
Check Voter Registration Status
COMPLETE THE 2020 CENSUS
Did you know that census data helps decide federal funding to support schools, hospitals and fire departments in your community? If you want to see changes in your community like better schools and improved services, you should represent your community by completing the 2020 Census. YOU HAVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30th TO BE COUNTED!
Each home received the census by mail. If you missed it, complete your census form online. It takes about 10 minutes to complete!
Why are you voting? Whether you’re voting for the future of those you love or for those whose legacy has impacted your life, prove that you’re interested in making some "good trouble" by ensuring that your voice is heard. Be heard by casting your vote!
VOTING AT THE POLLS
Early Voting Begins - September 24
Beating the crowds at polling places is important this year as we face the COVID-19 pandemic. You can do this by voting early. Early voting locations can be found HERE (Chicago) or HERE (suburbs).
Ballot Dropbox Locations in Cook County can be found by clicking HERE.
General Election - November 3
Find your nearest polling location HERE
For Voter ID Questions, please visit HERE
VOTING ABSENTEE/BY MAIL
If you can’t get to the polls, particularly in light of COVID-19, your voice can still be heard. You can request an absentee/vote by mail ballot if you are a registered voter. In Illinois, any registered voter may vote by mail (also known as absentee voting). A reason is not needed.
More Information on Voting by Mail
Additional Vote By Mail Information for Cook County can be found HERE
Mail Ballots will be mailed out to all Cook County Voters who apply to receive a mail ballot beginning September 24, 2020. There will be a postage-paid return envelope for voters who wish to mail back their ballot. Voters are urged to complete and mail their ballot back as early as possible once they receive it.
SECURE DROPBOXES FOR COOK COUNTY MAIL BALLOTS
Many have requested information on where mail ballots can be securely delivered directly to the Cook County Clerk’s Office not using the United States Postal Service. To be prepared, CCCO will have over 50 dropboxes around Cook County. Secure dropboxes will be located at over 50 early voting sites spread throughout Cook County where voters can drop off their completed mail ballots from 8:30 AM to 7 PM Monday through Friday, and 9 AM to 5 PM on weekends. Mail ballots will be collected on a daily basis and will be time stamped. Voters who applied for their mail ballot online will receive an email at the time their mail ballot is sent to them, as well as an email notifying them when the completed ballot has been received back from the voter. Dropboxes for mail ballots will be available beginning October 9, 2020 at 69 West Washington St. in Chicago as well as the 5 Regional Courthouses in suburban Cook County located in Rolling Meadows, Skokie, Maywood, Bridgeview, and Markham. Dropboxes will be available at the remaining Early Voting sites beginning October 19, 2020.
More Information on Secure Dropboxes and Mailing Ballots
No matter how you do, it in person or absentee: BE HEARD!
The last day to request an absentee ballot in Illinois is October 29, 2020.
PLAN YOUR VOTE. IF POSSIBLE, VOTE EARLY!
