What you need to know to vote in today’s primary election

Today is primary Election Day, when voters have a final chance to choose who will face off for governor, seats in Congress and the Illinois legislature and county boards.

Decisions made by voters ultimately will set up suburban campaigns for the Nov. 8 general election, including some that could be among the most-watched in the country.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Here’s what else you need to know to vote.

What’s on your ballot?

Check online to find whether you are registered, your polling place on Election Day and a sample ballot.

Cook County: www.cookcountyclerk.com/service/your-voter-information

DuPage County: www.dupageco.org/VoterLookup/

Kane County: https://www.kanecountyclerk.org/elections

Lake County: www.lakecountyil.gov/332/Voter-Services

McHenry County: http://mchenry-il.connect4.clarityelections.com/

Which political party?

Voters in primaries must declare their political party before receiving a ballot. Depending on party affiliation, the ballot will focus solely on Democratic or Republican candidates. What ballot you pull is public record, but whom you vote for isn’t.

Those who just want to vote on referendums can ask for a nonpartisan ballot.

Can I register?

You can register and cast a ballot at the same time if you’re a U.S. citizen and present two forms of identification, one of which must have your address on it. Examples include a passport or military I.D., driver’s license, college or work ID, vehicle registration, lease, insurance card, bank statement or utility bill.

If you already are registered you do not routinely need identification to vote. However, an election judge can ask for identification in certain circumstances, such as if a previously mailed-in registration form is incomplete.

Can I bring in a smartphone or newspapers?

Newspapers, yes. There is no state law prohibiting cellphones. But local authorities can set rules, so it’s best to do your research and write down your picks on paper before you arrive. You’re not allowed to make or receive phone calls while inside the polling place. If you make a phone call and slip into a conversation about the candidates, it’s considered electioneering, which is illegal.

Provisional ballots

If questions are raised at the polls about a voter’s registration or identity, the voter can fill out a provisional ballot. While it is the same as the normal ballot, it will not be counted until the election authority has determined the voter is eligible to vote. The authority has 14 days to determine eligibility, and voters have two days after voting to provide additional information.

Electioneering

No one is allowed to attempt to influence a voter within 100 feet of the polling place, among other rules. Any suspicious or illegal activity can be reported to the Illinois attorney general’s office at 866-536-3496.

https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20220627/what-you-need-to-know-to-vote-in-tomorrows-primary-election