Over the past several months as I wrote postcards to strangers to encourage voting, the message included “Bring Friends.” I imagined the recipient reaching out to friends or family members to join them in going to the polls. Why not do that here?
As we approach the next “No Kings” Day on Oct. 17, we are setting aside marches and protests to focus on a central action of democracy: the right to vote.
Early voting in Oak Park starts Oct. 19 at Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison St., with Election Day voting on Nov. 3 in your own precinct. Our focus is on voting early, making a plan to vote and inviting friends to join us to go to the polls.
Who can you bring with you to vote? Your children. A friend (or several) who would appreciate a ride. Or reminding your college-age student to make a plan to vote at home or in their new location?
Who do you know who might need some help to be able to vote? A ride to the polls and a chance to celebrate afterward with others. If you are with friends, why not make it a party?
Here are a few simple steps:
1) Check your voter registration
2) Get other voting information at https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/your-voter-information.
3) Print the ballot available there.
4) Research your candidates and issues. Voteforjudges.org has helpful information about judicial elections.
Then vote as early as possible.
And be sure to celebrate!
Terri Powell
Former Oak Park village clerk