WHY REGISTER TO VOTE?
Are you asking yourself, “Why should I register to vote?” If so, here are some of the most compelling reasons to register and go to the polls on election day:
- Help to shape policies that will impact your generation and future generations. Whether you’re voting for a presidential candidate, a U.S. Senator or member of the U.S. House of Representatives, or you’re voting for a local official, candidates have different opinions, goals and plans for how to govern most effectively. Some of these plans vary widely from one another. When you become educated about candidates’ stances on health care, human rights, immigration, education and more, you can help bring about change by voting for candidates whose views match yours. Many young voters don’t understand just how powerful a force their generation can be. If more millennials turned out to vote, their collective voice could shape the political landscape in long-lasting and meaningful ways.
- It’s easier than ever to connect with candidates to learn about their platforms. In today’s digital age, not understanding what a candidate stands for is not an excuse to stay away from the polls on election day. Most candidates today maintain social media presences, and informative articles and policy analyses are plentiful online. This ease of access to information, and the opportunity to engage and interact with candidates for political office, helps ensure voters make more informed decisions.
- Your vote DOES matter. Sometimes, there is a perception that it’s OK to skip voting on election day, because one little vote really doesn’t make a difference. However, time and time again, candidates are winning and losing elections by slim margins, often triggering recounts and legal challenges. The truth is, in today’s politically divided climate, your vote matters more than ever.
EASY TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN CHICAGO (OR ANYWHERE IN THE UNITED STATES!)
If you know you should vote but just aren’t sure how to go about it, you may be surprised to learn that registering to vote is fast and easy.
In Chicago
In Chicago, you can register to vote online, by mail, or in person at the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State or at a Deputy Registrar’s office ahead of election day. You can also register to vote at the polls if you choose early voting or at your precinct’s polling place on election day. Visit the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners’ website for more details, deadlines and links.
In Greater Illinois
If you live outside Cook County, you can visit the State Board of Elections’ Online Voter Application website to register to vote for the first time or to check your voter registration status.
Outside Illinois
For students who live and attend college in Illinois, but still call another state “home,” it is also simple to register to vote in other states online.
After completing voter registration, use the sites noted above to find your local polling place, learn about casting absentee ballots and much more.
WE ARE COMMITTED TO ENCOURAGING AND EQUIPPING STUDENTS TO VOTE
With popular degree programs related to the political process — including paralegal studies and criminal justice — Generations College has an interest in seeing its student body become engaged in the political process. When students exercise their constitutionally granted privilege to vote for local officials and national representatives, they are doing their part to help ensure their rights and voices are heard, and that our democracy remains strong.
Are you ready to learn more? Contact Generations College today!