| Earlyy Voting at 26 Chicago Sites 9/29/2006 - Earlyy Voting at 26 Chicago Sites
Early voting for the November 7 General Election will be conducted at 26 Chicago sites from October 16 through November 2. No reason or excuse is needed to participate in the early voting program, which went into effect under new state law this year.
Early voting hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and Sundays.
Langdon D. Neal, Chairman of the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, said that the 26 early voting sites represent an increase over the March 21 Primary Election, when there were 21 early voting locations. A total of 14,437 Chicagoans took advantage of the March Primary early voting program, and Chairman Neal said he anticipates this will substantially increase for the November General Election.
“This is a great program that makes it easier for every voter to cast his or her ballot,” Chairman Neal said. “It means that voters can cast their ballot at their convenience — Saturdays, Sundays, or any day of the week. We hope this will increase voter participation.”
Chairman Neal pointed out that no prior arrangements or appointments are necessary for early voting.
Since only touchscreen units are being used for the early voting program, voters can visit any of the 26 sites to cast their ballots. The touchscreens contain all ballot styles for the city.
The 26 early voting sites are scattered throughout the city, and include a downtown location in the Board’s headquarter building at 69 West Washington Street. The early voting sites include Chicago Public Library facilities, Park District buildings, City College facilities, and district police buildings.
By law, persons who wish to vote early must produce a government issued identification, such as a driver’s license, state identification card, passport, etc.
The touchscreen units utilized in the early voting program provide an audio ballot and controller so that people with disabilities, such as the blind, can vote privately and independently. For the November 7 Election, every polling place will be equipped with one touchscreen unit, in addition to optical scan paper ballots.
Chairman Neal said that the Board will closely supervise all early voting sites to ensure the integrity of the election, and pollwatchers will have the opportunity to monitor the voting process. The Chicago Police Department and Board Investigators also will provide additional security.
Attached is a listing of the 26 early voting sites. Chicagoans also can visit the Board’s website at www.chicagoelections.com or call the Board at 312-269-7900 (TTY 312-269-0027) for information regarding early voting.
|
