Vote-by-Mail Application Deadline Is Now Approaching
The primary vote-by-mail in the state of Illinois is now coming to an end pretty soon now, before the election. However, it is still not too late for people to request a vote-by-mail ballot. It is encouraged for people who are registered to vote to essentially take advantage of that privilege and use it to actually vote. It is very important to use their voice and vote to ensure that citizens and residents are being heard. Also to ensure that as many people as possible is advocating for the country with their vote. With it the country will improve and country, state, and city leaders will make a positive changes for all communities.
That being said, according to the state’s Board of Elections, “applications to vote by mail must be received no later than five days prior to an election.” Therefore, Chicago voters have until March 14th to apply for a vote-by-mail ballot. This option is in fact, very convenient for those individuals who can not or are unable to make it to the polls on Election Day. Keep in mind that it is extremely encouraged for people to submit their applications by this Thursday in order to be eligible, for those who want to submit their vote by mail.
When will Primary Elections be Held
The state of Illinois will hold its Primary Election on March 19, 2024. Like mentioned above applications have to be submitted five days before to receive mail-in ballots. Now, in regards as to what is the Primary Elections, it is when voters are to essentially decide who will be on the ballot for the next phase which is General Elections, these will take place on Nov. 5, 2024.
Now, as for who are some of the candidates for the race on that ballot. According to NBC News, “tops on the list will be the presidential primary.” Which in fact, President Joe Biden will be on the Democratic ballot, and along with him will be several other challengers. On the other hand, Former President Donald Trump will be on the Republic ballot as well.
Requirements for Voting
The eligibility to participate in the vote-by-mail method is currently open and accessible to any Illinois voter who is properly registered to vote. Also it is important to note that this method of requesting ballots for voting also included different options. These options are in regards if the person wants to choose to only receive a single election ballot or they can also ensure to receive them permanently. It all depends on how the person feels more comfortable to submit their vote. This is also for the military members and those U.S. citizens who might not be in the country on March 19th.
Furthermore, the information that will be asked from the voter is to choose one Party ballot type for the Elections. These Parties can include:
- The Democratic Party.
- The Green Party.
- The Republican Party.
- The Libertarian Party.
- The American Independent Party.
- The Non-Partisan Party.
According to Hoodline, when voters apply, “they must provide their name, registration address the destination for the ballot, select their party affiliation. This is vital for the primary election ballot, and don’t forget a signature to seal the deal.”
As for the requirements to vote in the state of Illinois, people must be the following:
- A U.S. citizen.
- At least 18 years of age by Election Day, now if an individual is 17-year-olds they may vote in a General Primary if they will be 18 by the following General Election.
- Have been a resident of the precinct at least 30 days prior to Election Day.
- Not be serving a sentence of confinement in any penal institution as a result of any conviction.
- Not be registered to vote elsewhere.
Every Vote and Voice Matters
Regardless of the method that each individual decides to vote from, it is very important to ensure that those who can vote to provide their vote, to essentially ensure that their voice is heard also for the welfare for those who can’t vote. Specifically in the state of Illinois, people can vote for any Party ballot, it does not matter if they voted for a distinct one on previous years.
As for what will happen after the the votes are submitted for the primary election, the winners will eventually appear later this year on the November ballot.
Written by Jeanette Sanchez
Sources:
NBC5 Chicago: Illinois primary vote-by-mail application deadlines approaches
NBC5 Chicago: When Illinois’ 2024 primary election will take place
hoodline: Deadline Approaches for Chicago Voters to Apply for Mail-In Ballots Ahead of Illinois Primary
WTTW News: 2024 Primary Election-Chicago 2024 Elections
Chicago Board of Elections: Vote by Mail
ACLU Illinois: 2024 Election
Featured Image Courtesy of hjl Flickr Page-Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Maryland GovPics Flickr Page-Creative Commons License
