Wednesday, February 8, 2012
The 2010 General Primary Election will be held February 2, 2010. Registration will close for that election January 5, 2010.
Optical scan voting machines are used in Kankakee County. A ballot will include the names of the candidates and the offices they are running for next to an oval. The Kankakee County Clerk’s office reminds everyone to just “darken the oval.” The optical scanning ballot is similar to the answer sheets used in standardized testing in schools. Election judges will hand you the ballot and a felt-tipped pen. If you make a mistake filling in the ballot, the optical scan reader will reject it, and will accept it only when correctly completed. New residents can register to vote if they reside in Kankakee County at least 30 days prior to an election. Voter registration services are available at several area village halls, township offices and the Kankakee County Clerk’s office. The Motor Voter Act makes voter registration a part of applying for a new driver’s license, so just changing the address on your driver’s license can be a convenient way to register in your new voting district.
All registrations must be completed 28 days prior to an election. At least one form of identification must include your new address. Utility bills or other pieces of mail listing your new address will suffice. A second form of identification is also required. A new driver’s license is an acceptable form of identification, but is not required. Any registered voter who expects to be out of the country on election day can apply for an absentee ballot. Absentee ballots and applications are available at the Kankakee County Clerk’s office starting 40 days prior to election day. Personal applications are acceptable up to one day prior to the elections, but mailed-in applications must be submitted five days in advance of the elections at a minimum.
Where to Register to Vote:
* Kankakee County Clerk’s Office. 189 East Court Street, Phone: 815-937-2990.
* Aroma Park Village Hall. 2200 S. Lowe Road, Phone: 815-937-1212.
* Bourbonnais Village Hall. 700 Main Street NW, Phone: 815-937-3570.
* Bradley Village Hall. 147 S. Michigan, Phone: 815-936-5100.
* Herscher Village Hall. 272 East 2nd Street, Phone: 815-426-2131.
* Manteno Village Hall. 269 N. Main Street, Phone: 815-468-8224.
* Momence City Hall. 29 N. Dixie Hwy., Phone: 815-472-2001.
* Momence Township. 203 East River St., Phone: 815-472-2108.
* Pembroke Township. 4053 South Main St., Phone: 815-944-8871
The Kankakee County Clerk also has occasional voter registration booths at special community events.
The Kankakee County Clerk’s Office always needs election judges. If you are interested in becoming an election judge, or want more information, call 815-937-2990.