local elections stressed (Great Lakes Info)

I realize this is pertinent to the Great Lakes region, but it is also important and has a lot of info for those of you who are from other states and regions… VOTE, if you don’t you can’t bitch!–D/C
From the Great Lakes Bulletin: Issue 10 October 2008
By JUDY R. LAZARUS
Bulletin Associate Editor

Great Lakes personnel, both military and civilian, who are residents of Illinois, are encouraged to vote in their community’s local elections on Nov. 4. But individuals must first meet registration requirements.

“All politics is truly local and voting in local elections is the best way to exert your influence on issues that affect out Navy families,” said Capt. David Schnell, commanding officer, Naval Station Great Lakes.

“School board elections are particularly important because of their role in the quality of our children’s education,” the captain noted. “I urge everyone, especially military spouses, to vote in local elections.”

According to the Illinois Board of Elections Web site “An individual may register to vote in Illinois if he/she is 18 years or older on the next election day, resides in the jurisdiction for 30 days prior to the election and is a U.S. citizen.” There is a grace period registration
offered from the close of voter registration until the 14th day before an election. During this period, if voters who register or change address during this time wish to vote, they must do so during the grace period, voting at the county clerk’s office.

For further information, contact the Lake County Clerk’s office at (847) 377-2410. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or merchant marine, or those discharged within 60 days of a election, who return to Illinois too late to register for the upcoming election are still entitled to vote in person in the election by affidavit. Registration is not required.

Military family members who work locally have to file an Illinois tax return, and they often become Illinois residents on that basis, said Cmdr. Paul Kapfler, executive officer, Region Legal Service Office, Midwest. Drivers license and car registration are other indicators, he added. Military members have to take an affirmative step to declare themselves Illinois residents at least 30 days after their arrival by changing their LES.