Want To Vote in Illinois? Register By Oct. 9

The deadline to vote in the Nov. 6 presidential election is coming up in less than a month on Oct. 9. 

"If you want to vote on Nov. 6, you must be registered," said Cook County Clerk David Orr in a statement. "Make your mark by voting in the upcoming election."

Orr's office is also organizing a voter registration drive at the suburban Cook County courthouses on Sept. 25 to coincide with National Voter Registration Day. More details will be announced on the county clerk's website.

Wednesdays through Oct. 3, the Clerk's office will host walk-in hours for anyone who wants to be trained to register voters. Stop by Orr's downtown office (69 W. Washington, Fifth Floor, Chicago) Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointments are not needed.

If you want to get trained as a deputy registrar but cannot make it downtown, contact Jonathan Williams (312.603.0987, jonathan.williams@cookcountyil.gov) and ask about hosting a training near your home or work. Trainings can be scheduled for groups of 10 or more.

To register to vote, you must be: a U.S. citizen; at least 18 years old by Election Day; and a resident of your precinct at least 30 days prior to Election Day. Voters who have recently moved must re-register at their current address prior to the deadline.

In this video, Clerk Orr explains who can register to vote, what they need and how to complete the process. 

If you want to verify your registration status and see your polling place, use the "Your Voter Information" tool on cookcountyclerk.com. 

Suburban Cook County voters can print a voter registration application from the Clerk's website, cookcountyclerk.com, or request one by calling (312) 603-0906. Applications are available in English,Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Korean and Polish.