Where there's a Will, there's a way

Monday evening I went to the County Building and voted early. I wanted to get voting taken care of and take part in an interesting change to Illinois election law that allows you to vote before Election Day for any reason.

The new voting machines were first used in the primary so this was the second time I used them to vote. Even so, it took me a little time to remember how they operate and get through the voting process. The machine asks you to confirm your votes so it takes a little longer than the older system.

Because so many people will be using this voting system for the first time, there may be longer lines than usual on Election Day. That's one reason I'm encouraging people to vote early. It guarantees you won't have to wait in line to vote on Election Day, and it will also make it easier for the election judges if they have fewer people to instruct on the day of the election.

If you live in Sangamaon County, vote early at Room 105 of the County Building, 200 S. 9th Street, Springfield. It happens October 16th through November 2nd. Hours will be Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and on Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

There's also grace period voter registration through October 24th. If you aren't registered to vote, or moved since you last registered, you can vote and register at the same time in the election office in the County Building. You can find more information at the County Clerk's website.

So, remember to vote early, but not often!