Re: Bad to worse in the state of Illinois

July 19, 2008

I agree, Kathy.

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

Re: Bad to worse in the state of Illinois

>

> Ellen,

>

> Why doesn't this surprise me? Is it because some people with

> disabilities aren't registered voters? That they don't matter to

> the " powers that be " ?

>

> Having dealt with issues since was born, schooling, housing,

> behavior difficulties, medical issues, behavior issues, work, now

> group home issues & (did I mention behavior problems???) I know I

> can't give up, but I'm so tired of fighting the fight, I'd just

like

> to have a life....at least for a week. :0)

>

> Liz

>

July 19, 2008

In the state of Illinois, your son retains the right to vote, even if you are

the guardian.

As I recall, there is another document that discusses the right to vote in terms

of being able to make an informed decision, even if the person needs assistance

to vote. I will look for that document and send it on when I have found it.

Some families are able to spend the time watching TV and reading the newspapers

with their child to help them understand the political process and that with

exposure their son or daughter understands at some level, the political process

and what voting is all about. Other families feel certain that their child will

not understand at any level and that helping them to vote is dishonest. Some

families feel confident that their son or daughter would certainly vote for the

candidate most likely to be supportive of their issues and that helping them to

do so empowers them and gives them a say in their future.

Obviously, these are very personal decisions.

Ellen

Constitution of the State of Illinois

ARTICLE III

SUFFRAGE AND ELECTIONS

SECTION 1. VOTING QUALIFICATIONS

Every United States citizen who has attained the age of

18 or any other voting age required by the United States for

voting in State elections and who has been a permanent

resident of this State for at least 30 days next preceding

any election shall have the right to vote at such election.

The General Assembly by law may establish registration

requirements and require permanent residence in an election

district not to exceed thirty days prior to an election. The

General Assembly by law may establish shorter residence

requirements for voting for President and Vice-President of

the United States.

(Source: Amendment adopted at general election November 8,

1988.)

SECTION 2. VOTING DISQUALIFICATIONS

A person convicted of a felony, or otherwise under

sentence in a correctional institution or jail, shall lose

the right to vote, which right shall be restored not later

than upon completion of his sentence.

(Source: Illinois Constitution.)

SECTION 3. ELECTIONS

All elections shall be free and equal.

(Source: Illinois Constitution.)

SECTION 4. ELECTION LAWS

The General Assembly by law shall define permanent

residence for voting purposes, insure secrecy of voting and

the integrity of the election process, and facilitate

registration and voting by all qualified persons. Laws

governing voter registration and conduct of elections shall

be general and uniform.

(Source: Illinois Constitution.)

SECTION 5. BOARD OF ELECTIONS

A State Board of Elections shall have general supervision

over the administration of the registration and election laws

throughout the State. The General Assembly by law shall

determine the size, manner of selection and compensation of

the Board. No political party shall have a majority of

members of the Board.

(Source: Illinois Constitution.)

SECTION 6. GENERAL ELECTION

As used in all articles of this Constitution except

Article VII, " general election " means the biennial election

at which members of the General Assembly are elected. Such

election shall be held on the Tuesday following the first

Monday of November in even-numbered years or on such other

day as provided by law.

(Source: Illinois Constitution.)

to preceding Article

to next Article

to main Constitution page

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

Re: Bad to worse in the state of Illinois

>

> Ellen,

>

> Why doesn't this surprise me? Is it because some people with

> disabilities aren't registered voters? That they don't matter to

> the " powers that be " ?

>

> Having dealt with issues since was born, schooling, housing,

> behavior difficulties, medical issues, behavior issues, work, now

> group home issues & (did I mention behavior problems???) I know I

> can't give up, but I'm so tired of fighting the fight, I'd just

like

> to have a life....at least for a week. :0)

>

> Liz

>

July 19, 2008

This is from a website called Election Law @ Moritz:

Mental incapacity

Although 26 IL ADC 216.50 permits officials to cancel registrations for mental

incapacity, no procedure for doing this was found.

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

Re: Bad to worse in the state of Illinois

>

> Ellen,

>

> Why doesn't this surprise me? Is it because some people with

> disabilities aren't registered voters? That they don't matter to

> the " powers that be " ?

>

> Having dealt with issues since was born, schooling, housing,

> behavior difficulties, medical issues, behavior issues, work, now

> group home issues & (did I mention behavior problems???) I know I

> can't give up, but I'm so tired of fighting the fight, I'd just

like

> to have a life....at least for a week. :0)

>

> Liz

>

July 19, 2008

Here is a much more comprehensive description of the rights of people with

disabilities in regard to voting...

Ellen

a.. Take our User Survey - Please take a moment to fill out the User Survey to

help us to improve this website.

Illinois Legal Aid

a.. Privacy Policy

b.. Donate

c.. Help

a.. What's your legal problem? What's your zip code?

Home > Browse Articles

Voting Rights for People with Disabilities

Last updated: April 2006

This information was prepared by Equip for Equality's Training Institute on

Disability Rights and is a guide to voting rights for people with disabilities.

Illinois Voters' Bill of Rights

Registering to Vote

Voting Absentee

Voting Assistance for People With Disabilities

Voting Resources (election authorities, contact information, websites)

Illinois Voters' Bill of Rights

The letters and numbers after each of the rights listed below are codes that

tell lawyers and poll-workers where to find the actual Illinois statute that

protects your right to vote. These rights are guaranteed to properly registered

and qualified voters. You have the right to bring this bill of rights with you

into your polling place.

a.. You have the right to vote if you are in line when the polls close at 7

p.m. or at any other time between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. §§

5/17-1 and 5/17-2; Mark Petrone, Illinois State Board of Elections.

b.. You have the right to receive a replacement voter registration card if you

lose or damage your card. 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. § 5/4-19.

c.. If a physical disability prevents you from entering the polling area and

you make a special request the day before the election, you have the right to

have the ballot delivered to you up to 50 feet away from the polling place

entrance.

10 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. § 5/17-13(.

d.. If you cannot read or write, or are disabled, you have the right to

receive assistance from any person other than your employer, an agent of your

employer or an officer or agent of your union. 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. §

5/17-14.

e.. If you have moved within the same precinct or you have changed your name

within 28 days of the election, you have the right to vote after signing an

affidavit. 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. § 5/4-16.

f.. If you have moved to a different election district or precinct within the

state within 30 days of the election, you have the right to vote in your new

polling place. 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. §§ 5/3-1, 5/17-10.

g.. If you make a mistake or " spoil " your ballot, and have not cast the

ballot, you have the right to receive a replacement ballot. 10 Ill. Comp. Stat.

Ann. § 5/17-11.

h.. No one is allowed to try to influence your vote within 100 feet of the

polling place. 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. § 5/17-29.

i.. If you have been convicted of a crime but have served your sentence

including any probation or parole, and you have registered to vote since that

time, you have the right to vote. 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. § 5/3-5; Civil Rights

Division, U.S. Dept. of Justice, " Restoring Your Right to Vote, Illinois, " (Dec.

2000).

Registering to Vote

Registration is the #1 requirement for voting!

Can I register to vote?

You can register to vote if:

a.. You are a citizen of the U.S. on election day;

b.. You are at least 18 years of age on or before election day; and

c.. You are a resident of the precinct at least 30 days before the day of the

next election.

Do I need to register to vote?

You need to register to vote if:

a.. You have never registered before;

b.. You have changed your name;

c.. You have recently moved. People who move within 28 days of an election and

who reside in the same precinct may vote by signing an affidavit.

When can I register to vote?

Voter registration is open year round except for the 27-day period just before

an election and during the 2-day period after each election (1 day after in

Chicago).

Register to vote by October 5 for the November 2 election!

What identification do I need to register to vote?

You need to provide at least two pieces of identification (at least one should

have your address on it). For example, you can use a:

a.. Driver's License

b.. Illinois State ID

c.. Social Security card

d.. Employee or student ID card

e.. Recent Utility bill

f.. Credit card

g.. Birth certificate

h.. Public assistance identification card

i.. Library card

j.. Civic, union or professional association membership card

Where can I register to vote?

You can register in person at the following places:

a.. Equip for Equality offices

b.. On-site at your local election authority

c.. County Clerk's office

d.. Board of Election's office

e.. City and village offices

f.. Township offices

g.. Precinct Committeemen

h.. Military recruitment offices

i.. Some public libraries

j.. Some employers; check with your employer or school to see if they are

sponsoring a voter registration drive or suggest that they sponsor one

k.. Some schools

l.. Some labor groups

m.. Some civic groups

n.. Some corporations

You can register when you apply for services at the following:

a.. Driver's license facilities

b.. Department of Public Aid offices

c.. Department of Public Health offices

d.. Department of Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities offices

e.. Department of Rehabilitation Services offices

Mail-In Registration

Illinois State Board of Elections website has forms to download, print and mail

in. Contact your local election authority for details. If you register by mail

and you have not voted before, you must vote in person the first time and show

identification at the polling place.

Register to Vote Postcard Form and Guide

The National Voter Registration Form lets you register to vote from almost

anywhere in the U.S. If the form will not open, you may need to download the

free Adobe Acrobat Reader.

National Voter Registration Form

Voting Absentee

Who may vote by absentee ballot?

Registered voters expecting to be absent from their county of residence on

election day can apply for an application to vote by absentee ballot if they

meet any of the following criteria:

a.. Registered voters expecting to be absent from their county of residence on

election day

b.. Registered voters appointed to be judges of election outside their home

precinct

c.. Registered voters unable to be present at the polls because of a physical

incapacity

d.. Registered voters observing a religious holiday on Election Day

e.. Registered voters working for the state's attorney, county clerk or board

of elections

f.. Registered voters serving as a sequestered juror on a state or federal

jury

g.. Registered or non-registered members of the United States armed forces on

active duty

h.. Spouses and dependents of armed forces members who expect to be outside

their county of residence

i.. State and federal employees assigned outside of their home precinct

j.. Registered citizens temporarily residing overseas

k.. Any citizen residing outside of the country, not registered to vote but

qualified to vote at a federal election, may vote by absentee ballot for federal

offices

When can I apply for an absentee ballot?

By Mail: Not more than 40 days or less than 5 days before the election.

In Person: Not more than 40 days or less than 1 day prior to the election.

How do I vote an absentee ballot?

1. Get the proper application for an absentee ballot from your election

authority (county clerk or board of election commissioners).

2. Complete the application. Make certain to include your name, home address and

the address where you want the ballot mailed, and be sure to sign the

application.

3. Mail or deliver in person the application to your election authority. If

returning it in person, you may immediately vote your absentee ballot. If you

return it by mail, you will receive your absentee ballot by mail.

4. After receiving your ballot, vote the ballot in secret. Insert the ballot in

the envelope provided, seal and complete the certification on the back and mail

your ballot or return it in person.

Absentee voters are encouraged to contact their election authority early for

specific details, especially if they plan to be out of the country on election

day.

Voting Assistance for People with Disabilities

Federal law says that polling places must be accessible to persons with

disabilities. But if you want to be sure you can vote on election day, it's best

to plan ahead.

Call the election office in your city or county and tell them where you live and

that you have a disability and you need an accessible voting place.

Each precinct is supposed to set up an accessible polling place so you can vote

in person. But, if there is no building with wheelchair access in your precinct,

they have to make another arrangement for you. For example:

a.. You could vote in another precinct's polling place or at a central

location like a county courthouse.

b.. Curbside voting. This is where the voting device is brought out to you. To

take advantage of this, you are asked to contact the County Clerk's Office prior

to Election Day. However, election judges should be prepared to offer curbside

voting whenever a voter requests it.

As a voter, you have a choice to ask anyone you want to assist you at the polls,

except for your employer or an officer of a union that you are a member of. You

can bring a friend, family member, teacher, personal attendant, neighbor, etc.

You can also ask the election judges for help. In this case:

a.. Two judges need to assist you in the voting booth - one Democrat and one

Republican;

b.. You must sign a paper that states you have requested assistance, and you

should state your disability and whether it is temporary or permanent;

c.. You can be given instructions on how to vote with a sample ballot before

signing the assistance paper.

The person who assists you is not allowed to try to influence you to vote a

certain way. However, the following forms of assistance are acceptable:

a.. If someone is blind or cannot read, they have a right to have a person of

their choosing help them vote. That helper can read the ballot to the voter and

help them mark the ballot;

b.. If you are having other problems voting or getting to a voting device, you

can and should ask for help from the election judges. It is their job to help

you. That may mean explaining how something works or helping you get to the

voting device;

c.. If you go to vote and you can't get to the voting devices because they are

not accessible, you can call your local election authority to complain;

d.. You can also ask a friend or another voter to let the election judges know

about your problem. They may be able to help.

e.. You can call Equip for Equality about any problems you have on election

day at 800-537-2632 or 800-610-2779 (TTY).

Voting Resources

Chicago Board of Elections

Contact Information: Polling Place Department (check where you vote):

312-269-7900 (TTY: 269-0027)

Website Information:

f.. Find out your registration status, where your polling place is located,

and the elected officials in your area;

g.. Watch a voter instruction video and print multi-language voter information

sheets and sample ballots;

h.. Check election results;

i.. Download an absentee ballot application to fill out.

Chicago Council of Lawyers

Website Information: On this website you can read reviews of federal and state

judges.

Congress.org

A service of Capitol Advantage, a private, non-partisan company that specializes

in facilitating civic participation.

Website Information:

a.. Identify and contact elected leaders in Congress, the White House, state

legislatures and local elected officials;

b.. Look up a candidate's issue positions and key votes;

c.. Post letters online in Letters to Leaders and read what other Americans

are saying to elected officials.

Cook County Clerk's Office

Contact Information:

Orr

Cook County Clerk

69 W. Washington Street, 5th floor

Chicago, IL 60602

Phone: 312-603-0906

TDD: 312-603-0902

Spanish: 312-603-6767

Website Information:

a.. Type in your suburban Cook County street address and access a virtual

ballot;

b.. Locate your polling place;

c.. Check an online voter guide to learn more about the candidates.

Equip for Equality

Contact Information:

Main/Chicago Office

20 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 300

Chicago, IL 60602

(312) 341-0022 Se Habla Español ASL

(800) 537-2632 (Voice)

(800) 610-2779 (TTY)

(312) 341-0295 (Fax)

Northwestern Illinois

1617 Second Avenue, Suite 210

P.O. Box 3753

Rock Island, IL 61204

(309) 786-6868 (Voice)

(800) 758-6869 (Voice)

(800) 610-2779 (TTY)

Central/Southern Illinois

235 S. Fifth Street

P.O. Box 276

Springfield, IL 62705

(217) 544-0464 (Voice)

(800) 758-0464 (Voice)

(800) 610-2779 (TTY)

(217) 523-0720 (Fax)

Website Information:

a.. Overview of EFE's voting activities

b.. Help America Vote Act information

c.. Voting rights trainings schedule

d.. Links to other voting sites

Federal Election Commission

Contact Information:

Voice: 800-424-9530

TTY: 202-219-3336

Website Information:

a.. Access frequently asked questions and download the National Mail Voter

Registration Form;

b.. Look up information on absentee voting;

c.. Find state registering deadlines;

d.. Read voter registration and turn-out success statistics.

National Technical Assistance Center for Voting and Cognitive Access

Collaborating Organizations include UIC and TheArcLink Inc.

Website Information:

a.. Position statement: Making Voting Accessible for All

b.. ADA Checklist for Polling Places

c.. Election Officials Fact Sheet

d.. Self-Advocates Fact Sheet on Voting

The Health Advocacy Toolbox

A project of the Connecticut Health Policy Project

Website Information:

a.. Note: Some information is specific to Connecticut; most is general

advocacy information.

b.. How to Host a Legislative Breakfast

c.. How to Work with Campaigns

Illinois Attorney General Website

Contact Information:

Phone (Chicago): 312-814-3000

TTY (Chicago): 312-814-3374

Phone (Springfield): 217-782-1090

TTY (Springfield): 217-785-2771

Phone (Carbondale): 618-529-6400/6401

TTY (Carbondale): 618-529-6403

Website Information: Contact Attorney General, Madigan, if you have

encountered discrimination, or suspect improper or illegal activity at the

polling place or while registering to vote.

Illinois State Bar Association

Contact Information:

Springfield Office

Illinois Bar Center

424 S. Second Street

Springfield, IL 62701-1779

(217) 525-1760

(800) 252-8908

Chicago Regional Office

20 S. St., Ste. 900

Chicago, IL 60603-1802

(312) 726-8775

(800) 678-4009

Website Information: Here you can check a rating chart for judges to see if they

are qualified or not according to ISBA standards.

Illinois State Board of Elections

Contact Information:

Illinois State Board of Elections

R. Center

100 West Randolph

Suite 14-100

Chicago, IL 60601

Phone: 312-814-6440

TDD: 312-814-6431

Springfield Office

1020 South Spring Street

P.O. Box 4187

Phone: 217-782-4141

TDD: 217-782-1518

Website Information:

a.. Look up contact information for your local election authority;

b.. Look up information on how to register and vote;

c.. Print voter registration forms;

d.. Locate candidate filing information;

e.. Find election totals;

f.. Read about campaign disclosures.

League of Women Voters of Illinois

Contact Information:

League of Women Voters of Illinois

332 South Michigan Avenue

Suite 1150

Chicago, IL 60604

Phone: 312-939-5935

Website Information:

a.. Get information about voting with an absentee ballot;

b.. Print a yearly election calendar;

c.. Learn about the candidates through forums.

Helpful Organizations

The following organizations may be able to help you with

For a list of organizations in your area that may be able to help you, enter

your zip code.

What's your zip code?

Feedback

We welcome your comments and suggestions

User Survey - Please take a moment to fill out our User Survey to help us to

provide better service.

Please do not email legal questions or information about your problem. We will

not answer legal questions or provide legal assistance. You can find referrals

to legal organizations that may be able to help you by clicking here.

Type of Comment: * Please make a selection I need help / I can't find an

answer I found an error in the article There is a problem with the website I

found this information very helpful

Comments:*

characters left

E-mail: (optional)

I understand that information I submit will be used in accordance with this

site's Privacy Policy, and that I have read and understand the terms of that

policy. I further understand that my use of this site will be subject to the

terms of the Site's Terms of Use, and agree to adhere to those terms.

Article Tools

Print

Email

Increase Text Size

Helpful Organizations

Feedback

Related Articles

Disabilities Guidebook: Accessibility of Voting Facilities and Other Voting

Rights

Updated: 11/17/2002

Make Your Vote Count

Updated: 06/28/2004

Voting Rights for People with Disabilities

Updated: 03/25/2008

News & Events

Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act To Help Illinois Workers

Advanced Earned Income Tax Credit Now Available

New Self-Help Legal Center Opens in McHenry County

July 22, 2008

What is Disability Placard? Informational Session

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

July 23, 2008

Disability Rights Consortium at Equip for Equality

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

July 26, 2008

The 5th Annual Disability Pride Parade

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

More News & Events >

Select language: English | Español

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

Re: Bad to worse in the state of Illinois

>

> Ellen,

>

> Why doesn't this surprise me? Is it because some people with

> disabilities aren't registered voters? That they don't matter to

> the " powers that be " ?

>

> Having dealt with issues since was born, schooling, housing,

> behavior difficulties, medical issues, behavior issues, work, now

> group home issues & (did I mention behavior problems???) I know I

> can't give up, but I'm so tired of fighting the fight, I'd just

like

> to have a life....at least for a week. :0)

>

> Liz

>

July 19, 2008

Thanks you Ellen for this info. I will have him reg. in the next two weeks.

Maureen

Ellen Bronfeld <egskb@...> wrote: Here is

a much more comprehensive description of the rights of people with disabilities

in regard to voting...

Ellen

a.. Take our User Survey - Please take a moment to fill out the User Survey

to help us to improve this website.

Illinois Legal Aid

a.. Privacy Policy

b.. Donate

c.. Help

a.. What's your legal problem? What's your zip code?

Home > Browse Articles

Voting Rights for People with Disabilities

Last updated: April 2006

This information was prepared by Equip for Equality's Training Institute on

Disability Rights and is a guide to voting rights for people with disabilities.

Illinois Voters' Bill of Rights

Registering to Vote

Voting Absentee

Voting Assistance for People With Disabilities

Voting Resources (election authorities, contact information, websites)

Illinois Voters' Bill of Rights

The letters and numbers after each of the rights listed below are codes that

tell lawyers and poll-workers where to find the actual Illinois statute that

protects your right to vote. These rights are guaranteed to properly registered

and qualified voters. You have the right to bring this bill of rights with you

into your polling place.

a.. You have the right to vote if you are in line when the polls close at 7

p.m. or at any other time between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. §§

5/17-1 and 5/17-2; Mark Petrone, Illinois State Board of Elections.

b.. You have the right to receive a replacement voter registration card if

you lose or damage your card. 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. § 5/4-19.

c.. If a physical disability prevents you from entering the polling area and

you make a special request the day before the election, you have the right to

have the ballot delivered to you up to 50 feet away from the polling place

entrance.

10 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. § 5/17-13(.

d.. If you cannot read or write, or are disabled, you have the right to

receive assistance from any person other than your employer, an agent of your

employer or an officer or agent of your union. 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. §

5/17-14.

e.. If you have moved within the same precinct or you have changed your name

within 28 days of the election, you have the right to vote after signing an

affidavit. 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. § 5/4-16.

f.. If you have moved to a different election district or precinct within the

state within 30 days of the election, you have the right to vote in your new

polling place. 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. §§ 5/3-1, 5/17-10.

g.. If you make a mistake or " spoil " your ballot, and have not cast the

ballot, you have the right to receive a replacement ballot. 10 Ill. Comp. Stat.

Ann. § 5/17-11.

h.. No one is allowed to try to influence your vote within 100 feet of the

polling place. 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. § 5/17-29.

i.. If you have been convicted of a crime but have served your sentence

including any probation or parole, and you have registered to vote since that

time, you have the right to vote. 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. § 5/3-5; Civil Rights

Division, U.S. Dept. of Justice, " Restoring Your Right to Vote, Illinois, " (Dec.

2000).

Registering to Vote

Registration is the #1 requirement for voting!

Can I register to vote?

You can register to vote if:

a.. You are a citizen of the U.S. on election day;

b.. You are at least 18 years of age on or before election day; and

c.. You are a resident of the precinct at least 30 days before the day of the

next election.

Do I need to register to vote?

You need to register to vote if:

a.. You have never registered before;

b.. You have changed your name;

c.. You have recently moved. People who move within 28 days of an election

and who reside in the same precinct may vote by signing an affidavit.

When can I register to vote?

Voter registration is open year round except for the 27-day period just before

an election and during the 2-day period after each election (1 day after in

Chicago).

Register to vote by October 5 for the November 2 election!

What identification do I need to register to vote?

You need to provide at least two pieces of identification (at least one should

have your address on it). For example, you can use a:

a.. Driver's License

b.. Illinois State ID

c.. Social Security card

d.. Employee or student ID card

e.. Recent Utility bill

f.. Credit card

g.. Birth certificate

h.. Public assistance identification card

i.. Library card

j.. Civic, union or professional association membership card

Where can I register to vote?

You can register in person at the following places:

a.. Equip for Equality offices

b.. On-site at your local election authority

c.. County Clerk's office

d.. Board of Election's office

e.. City and village offices

f.. Township offices

g.. Precinct Committeemen

h.. Military recruitment offices

i.. Some public libraries

j.. Some employers; check with your employer or school to see if they are

sponsoring a voter registration drive or suggest that they sponsor one

k.. Some schools

l.. Some labor groups

m.. Some civic groups

n.. Some corporations

You can register when you apply for services at the following:

a.. Driver's license facilities

b.. Department of Public Aid offices

c.. Department of Public Health offices

d.. Department of Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities offices

e.. Department of Rehabilitation Services offices

Mail-In Registration

Illinois State Board of Elections website has forms to download, print and mail

in. Contact your local election authority for details. If you register by mail

and you have not voted before, you must vote in person the first time and show

identification at the polling place.

Register to Vote Postcard Form and Guide

The National Voter Registration Form lets you register to vote from almost

anywhere in the U.S. If the form will not open, you may need to download the

free Adobe Acrobat Reader.

National Voter Registration Form

Voting Absentee

Who may vote by absentee ballot?

Registered voters expecting to be absent from their county of residence on

election day can apply for an application to vote by absentee ballot if they

meet any of the following criteria:

a.. Registered voters expecting to be absent from their county of residence on

election day

b.. Registered voters appointed to be judges of election outside their home

precinct

c.. Registered voters unable to be present at the polls because of a physical

incapacity

d.. Registered voters observing a religious holiday on Election Day

e.. Registered voters working for the state's attorney, county clerk or board

of elections

f.. Registered voters serving as a sequestered juror on a state or federal

jury

g.. Registered or non-registered members of the United States armed forces on

active duty

h.. Spouses and dependents of armed forces members who expect to be outside

their county of residence

i.. State and federal employees assigned outside of their home precinct

j.. Registered citizens temporarily residing overseas

k.. Any citizen residing outside of the country, not registered to vote but

qualified to vote at a federal election, may vote by absentee ballot for federal

offices

When can I apply for an absentee ballot?

By Mail: Not more than 40 days or less than 5 days before the election.

In Person: Not more than 40 days or less than 1 day prior to the election.

How do I vote an absentee ballot?

1. Get the proper application for an absentee ballot from your election

authority (county clerk or board of election commissioners).

2. Complete the application. Make certain to include your name, home address

and the address where you want the ballot mailed, and be sure to sign the

application.

3. Mail or deliver in person the application to your election authority. If

returning it in person, you may immediately vote your absentee ballot. If you

return it by mail, you will receive your absentee ballot by mail.

4. After receiving your ballot, vote the ballot in secret. Insert the ballot in

the envelope provided, seal and complete the certification on the back and mail

your ballot or return it in person.

Absentee voters are encouraged to contact their election authority early for

specific details, especially if they plan to be out of the country on election

day.

Voting Assistance for People with Disabilities

Federal law says that polling places must be accessible to persons with

disabilities. But if you want to be sure you can vote on election day, it's best

to plan ahead.

Call the election office in your city or county and tell them where you live

and that you have a disability and you need an accessible voting place.

Each precinct is supposed to set up an accessible polling place so you can vote

in person. But, if there is no building with wheelchair access in your precinct,

they have to make another arrangement for you. For example:

a.. You could vote in another precinct's polling place or at a central location

like a county courthouse.

b.. Curbside voting. This is where the voting device is brought out to you.

To take advantage of this, you are asked to contact the County Clerk's Office

prior to Election Day. However, election judges should be prepared to offer

curbside voting whenever a voter requests it.

As a voter, you have a choice to ask anyone you want to assist you at the

polls, except for your employer or an officer of a union that you are a member

of. You can bring a friend, family member, teacher, personal attendant,

neighbor, etc.

You can also ask the election judges for help. In this case:

a.. Two judges need to assist you in the voting booth - one Democrat and one

Republican;

b.. You must sign a paper that states you have requested assistance, and you

should state your disability and whether it is temporary or permanent;

c.. You can be given instructions on how to vote with a sample ballot before

signing the assistance paper.

The person who assists you is not allowed to try to influence you to vote a

certain way. However, the following forms of assistance are acceptable:

a.. If someone is blind or cannot read, they have a right to have a person of

their choosing help them vote. That helper can read the ballot to the voter and

help them mark the ballot;

b.. If you are having other problems voting or getting to a voting device,

you can and should ask for help from the election judges. It is their job to

help you. That may mean explaining how something works or helping you get to the

voting device;

c.. If you go to vote and you can't get to the voting devices because they

are not accessible, you can call your local election authority to complain;

d.. You can also ask a friend or another voter to let the election judges

know about your problem. They may be able to help.

e.. You can call Equip for Equality about any problems you have on election

day at 800-537-2632 or 800-610-2779 (TTY).

Voting Resources

Chicago Board of Elections

Contact Information: Polling Place Department (check where you vote):

312-269-7900 (TTY: 269-0027)

Website Information:

f.. Find out your registration status, where your polling place is located, and

the elected officials in your area;

g.. Watch a voter instruction video and print multi-language voter

information sheets and sample ballots;

h.. Check election results;

i.. Download an absentee ballot application to fill out.

Chicago Council of Lawyers

Website Information: On this website you can read reviews of federal and state

judges.

Congress.org

A service of Capitol Advantage, a private, non-partisan company that

specializes in facilitating civic participation.

Website Information:

a.. Identify and contact elected leaders in Congress, the White House, state

legislatures and local elected officials;

b.. Look up a candidate's issue positions and key votes;

c.. Post letters online in Letters to Leaders and read what other Americans

are saying to elected officials.

Cook County Clerk's Office

Contact Information:

Orr

Cook County Clerk

69 W. Washington Street, 5th floor

Chicago, IL 60602

Phone: 312-603-0906

TDD: 312-603-0902

Spanish: 312-603-6767

Website Information:

a.. Type in your suburban Cook County street address and access a virtual

ballot;

b.. Locate your polling place;

c.. Check an online voter guide to learn more about the candidates.

Equip for Equality

Contact Information:

Main/Chicago Office

20 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 300

Chicago, IL 60602

(312) 341-0022 Se Habla Español ASL

(800) 537-2632 (Voice)

(800) 610-2779 (TTY)

(312) 341-0295 (Fax)

Northwestern Illinois

1617 Second Avenue, Suite 210

P.O. Box 3753

Rock Island, IL 61204

(309) 786-6868 (Voice)

(800) 758-6869 (Voice)

(800) 610-2779 (TTY)

Central/Southern Illinois

235 S. Fifth Street

P.O. Box 276

Springfield, IL 62705

(217) 544-0464 (Voice)

(800) 758-0464 (Voice)

(800) 610-2779 (TTY)

(217) 523-0720 (Fax)

Website Information:

a.. Overview of EFE's voting activities

b.. Help America Vote Act information

c.. Voting rights trainings schedule

d.. Links to other voting sites

Federal Election Commission

Contact Information:

Voice: 800-424-9530

TTY: 202-219-3336

Website Information:

a.. Access frequently asked questions and download the National Mail Voter

Registration Form;

b.. Look up information on absentee voting;

c.. Find state registering deadlines;

d.. Read voter registration and turn-out success statistics.

National Technical Assistance Center for Voting and Cognitive Access

Collaborating Organizations include UIC and TheArcLink Inc.

Website Information:

a.. Position statement: Making Voting Accessible for All

b.. ADA Checklist for Polling Places

c.. Election Officials Fact Sheet

d.. Self-Advocates Fact Sheet on Voting

The Health Advocacy Toolbox

A project of the Connecticut Health Policy Project

Website Information:

a.. Note: Some information is specific to Connecticut; most is general advocacy

information.

b.. How to Host a Legislative Breakfast

c.. How to Work with Campaigns

Illinois Attorney General Website

Contact Information:

Phone (Chicago): 312-814-3000

TTY (Chicago): 312-814-3374

Phone (Springfield): 217-782-1090

TTY (Springfield): 217-785-2771

Phone (Carbondale): 618-529-6400/6401

TTY (Carbondale): 618-529-6403

Website Information: Contact Attorney General, Madigan, if you have

encountered discrimination, or suspect improper or illegal activity at the

polling place or while registering to vote.

Illinois State Bar Association

Contact Information:

Springfield Office

Illinois Bar Center

424 S. Second Street

Springfield, IL 62701-1779

(217) 525-1760

(800) 252-8908

Chicago Regional Office

20 S. St., Ste. 900

Chicago, IL 60603-1802

(312) 726-8775

(800) 678-4009

Website Information: Here you can check a rating chart for judges to see if

they are qualified or not according to ISBA standards.

Illinois State Board of Elections

Contact Information:

Illinois State Board of Elections

R. Center

100 West Randolph

Suite 14-100

Chicago, IL 60601

Phone: 312-814-6440

TDD: 312-814-6431

Springfield Office

1020 South Spring Street

P.O. Box 4187

Phone: 217-782-4141

TDD: 217-782-1518

Website Information:

a.. Look up contact information for your local election authority;

b.. Look up information on how to register and vote;

c.. Print voter registration forms;

d.. Locate candidate filing information;

e.. Find election totals;

f.. Read about campaign disclosures.

League of Women Voters of Illinois

Contact Information:

League of Women Voters of Illinois

332 South Michigan Avenue

Suite 1150

Chicago, IL 60604

Phone: 312-939-5935

Website Information:

a.. Get information about voting with an absentee ballot;

b.. Print a yearly election calendar;

c.. Learn about the candidates through forums.

Helpful Organizations

The following organizations may be able to help you with

For a list of organizations in your area that may be able to help you, enter

your zip code.

What's your zip code?

Feedback

We welcome your comments and suggestions

User Survey - Please take a moment to fill out our User Survey to help us to

provide better service.

Please do not email legal questions or information about your problem. We will

not answer legal questions or provide legal assistance. You can find referrals

to legal organizations that may be able to help you by clicking here.

Type of Comment: * Please make a selection I need help / I can't find an

answer I found an error in the article There is a problem with the website I

found this information very helpful

Comments:*

characters left

E-mail: (optional)

I understand that information I submit will be used in accordance with

this site's Privacy Policy, and that I have read and understand the terms of

that policy. I further understand that my use of this site will be subject to

the terms of the Site's Terms of Use, and agree to adhere to those terms.

Article Tools

Print

Email

Increase Text Size

Helpful Organizations

Feedback

Sign In

Re: Bad to worse in the state of Illinois

Recommended Posts

Guest guest

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Guest guest

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Guest guest

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Guest guest

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Guest guest

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Guest guest

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Guest guest

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Join the conversation

Activity