Clerk Monica Gordon
As the April municipal elections approach in suburban Cook County, Clerk Monica Gordon is putting out a call to voters to encourage participation and raise awareness about local elections, which have historically had an alarmingly low turnout rate, despite their hometown significance.
The approaching April 1 Consolidated elections will determine leadership for municipal governments, school boards, park districts, fire protection districts, and other key community institutions. These positions determine how local tax dollars are spent and oversee essential services that impact residents’ daily lives.
While presidential elections garner an average of 70 to 72 percent turnout in suburban Cook County, local elections struggle to engage even 15 to 20 percent of eligible voters, a trend that Gordon believes must change.
“Whether it’s sending your children to local schools, checking out books at the library, or having the peace of mind that police and fire service is just a phone call away, decisions made at the local level shape our communities in ways that directly impact our daily lives,” said Gordon.
The Clerk’s Office is launching a “Your Town, Your Vote” voter turnout campaign to help educate voters about the significance of local elections and ensure they are aware of their options for casting a ballot.
“Votes cast in local elections have a direct connection to the funds that flow to local village halls, school boards, township offices, police and fire districts, among many others. Remember, it is Your Town, Your Vote,” said Gordon.
Right now, voters can view a complete listing of all local elections in their communities and determine the candidates running for each office on the Clerk’s Office website at www.cookcountyclerk.com/elections. The website also provides information on voting locations, voter registration, and early voting, which begins March 17.
The Clerk’s Office also released the following information for the upcoming April 1 Consolidated Election:
Key Election Dates:
• March 16 – Last day to register online to vote
•March 17 – First day of Early Voting (53 locations in suburban Cook County)
•March 24 – Recommended last day to request a Mail Ballot (official deadline: March 27)
•March 31 – Last day of Early Voting
•April 1 – Election Day – Final day to vote in person or postmark a Mail Ballot
Voters can cast their ballots:
•Early, beginning March 17, at 53 locations (www.cookcountyclerk.com/EV)
•By mail (www.cookcountyclerk.com/VoteByMail)
•On Election Day, at their home precinct or one of six Vote Centers (www.cookcountyclerk.com/VoterInfo)