Sample Letters to the Editor
Register to Vote
The League of Women Voters of _________________ encourages those who have not registered to vote to do so for the upcoming
election on November 7. All U.S. citizens who are at least 18 years old and a resident of a precinct for 30 days prior to an
election may vote. Registration is easy and can be done in many ways. Individuals may register to vote at village halls,
township facilities, county clerk's offices, or driver's license facilities. Some libraries, high schools, colleges, and civic
organizations like the League also offer voter registration through certified deputy registrars. In addition, you can download
a voter registration application from the website of the Illinois State Board of Elections, then complete and mail it to your
county clerk's office.
With so many registration options, take a few moments to make sure you are ready to vote on November 7. Registration with
deputy registrars for the General Election closes on October 10, 2006. Grace Period Registration at the office of the election
authority runs from October 11 through October 24, 2006. Registering to vote takes little time. Bring two pieces of
identification when registering, including one with a current address, complete the paperwork, and you are ready to go.
Your voter registration card will be mailed to you within a few weeks. Don't miss your opportunity to be part of the
democratic process-REGISTER TO VOTE!
Name
Title
League of Women Voters of _________
Vote Early
The League of Women Voters of _______________ encourages all registered voters to cast a ballot for the November 7th
General Election. Thanks to many recent changes to Illinois election law, it has never been easier to vote. Several options
are now available for individuals to vote prior to Election Day.
Early voting allows voters to cast ballots at sites designated by local election authorities. The early voting period
runs from October 16-November 2. You do not need a reason to vote early and many sites are available throughout the area.
Contact your county clerk's office for a list of early voting locations.
If you want to vote early and you also need to register to vote, you can take advantage of Grace Period Registration and
Early Voting at the same time. From October 16 through October 24, 2006, you can register to vote at your election authority
office and vote at the same time since early voting will also be underway.
In addition, if early voting is not an option and you are unable to be at your polling place on November 7, absentee voting
is available. Mail-in absentee ballots are available by request starting September 28. Mail-in ballots must be completed and
postmarked by November 6, 2006.
With so many options, voting has never been easier. Mark Election Day, November 7, on your calendar. Remember, if you cannot
vote that day, many options are available to make sure your ballot can be counted during the upcoming election regardless of your
schedule. Get Out and Vote!
Name
Title
League of Women Voters of _____________________
Election Problems
The League of Women Voters of _________________ encourages all voters to know their rights and to report any problems that occur
while voting.
As a voter, you have the right to inspect a sample ballot, vote if you are in line between 6:00 am and 7:00 pm, receive a
replacement ballot if yours is spoiled, vote on a Provisional Ballot if your registration is challenged, receive help if necessary
from election judges, and vote if you are on parole, on probation, or incarcerated while awaiting trial.
If your voting rights are challenged or you witness any potential election violations, it is important to report these observations.
The local election authorities (county or city clerk's offices) have phone numbers to report suspected violations. In addition, your
local State's Attorney's office can be notified. The Illinois Attorney General also has an Election Central hotline specifically for
the reporting of any election problems.
Remember, voters have rights. Report any problems you experience or witness while casting your ballot. Let's all work together
to make the November 7th General Election run smoothly.
Name
Title
League of Women Voters of _______________
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