Letter to the Editor from Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon (Cook County, IL) — As we approach the April 1 Consolidated Election in suburban Cook County, my office is putting out a call for Cook County Voters to prepare to engage! This means casting a ballot in the upcoming local municipal elections, which have the most immediate and consequential impact on our communities and the services that taxpayers receive.
Whether it’s having your street plowed, 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, we rely mightily on our local community services and the elected officials who administrate them.
Unfortunately, many voters don’t make the time to cast a ballot in their local elections and that is a sad statement for our Democracy. While suburban Cook County sees an average 70 percent turnout in presidential elections, local election turnout struggles to reach 20 percent.
This must change because the votes that are cast in local elections have a direct connection to the fate of the funds that flow to local village halls, school boards, township offices, police, and fire districts, among many others.
Here is how local voters can engage:
- Check out the candidates who are running for office in your community. Visit our website at cookcountyclerk.com/elections to see a full listing of the candidates on the April 1 ballot running for municipal office, township government, school boards, park districts, and more.
- View a sample ballot, check your voter registration, find your Election Day precinct, and see the status of your Mail Ballot using the Your Voter Information Tool at cookcountyclerk.com/voterinfo.
- Make your voting plan! Early voting is already underway at 55 suburban locations. Visit our website for a location near you at cookcountyclerk.com/
earlyvoting.
Democracy is not a spectator sport – it thrives when we all participate. Your vote is your voice, and when more of us take part, our communities grow stronger, more representative, and better equipped to serve everyone.
Make your plan, cast your ballot, and encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same. It’s your town, your vote, your future!
Letter to the Editor from Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon
