Early Voting Begins Today for the April 9 Consolidated Election

Cook County Clerk David Orr reminds voters that Early Voting begins today, March 25 for the April 9 Consolidated Election. There are more than 990 races on the ballot for offices ranging from park and school districts to municipal and township seats. There are also 38 local referenda on topics including electricity aggregation, home rule and video gambling. While turnout is usually low for the April election, the stakes are extremely high, noted Orr. The outcome of these races determines everything from education policy to local tax and infrastructure decisions. Voters should have their say at the polls. Early Voting continues daily through April 6. There are 43 Early Voting sites in suburban Cook County plus the Clerk's downtown office, 69 W. Washington, Chicago. All Early Voting sites are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Seven sites have hours on Sunday, March 31. Any eligible, registered voter may vote early without an excuse. Voters can verify their registration using the Voter Information tool. Early voters must display valid government-issued photo identification before voting, such as a current driver's license, state-issued ID or U.S. passport. Voters who cast a ballot during Early Voting may not vote on Election Day or vote by mail. In addition to local contests, the race to fill the 2nd Congressional District is on the ballot in 263 precincts in suburban Cook County. The district extends into the city of Chicago, Will and Kankakee counties. While suburban Cook County voters can vote at one of the suburban Cook County Early Voting sites, Chicago residents must vote at one of the city's Early Voting sites. An Early Voting map, site addresses and the full list of candidates, referenda and write-in candidates can be found under the 2013 Elections section of cookcountyclerk.com