For the past year, both Republicans and Democrats have been campaigning to win the hearts and minds of Americans. For many students at Palatine High School, this may be the first election in which they can vote. Why does this even matter?
Elections are an important part of democracy. They provide a chance for citizens to share their views on key issues and elect people who align with their values and beliefs. Local and state elections are also significant to consider.
Elections for local leaders and representatives often see lower voter turnout, but the results of these elections can have a more immediate impact on people than national results. This link can be used to find out who each person’s representative is.
So, how does one go about voting?
The first step is to make sure they are eligible to vote. The requirements are as follows:
- U.S. citizenship
- At least 18 years old
- Not serving a prison sentence
- Not claiming the right to vote in another location
If these criteria are met, it’s important to confirm that they are registered to vote.
Many polling places in Illinois offer Election Day voter registration, but not all do. Voters should check with the Illinois State Board of Elections to find out where they can register to vote.
To register, two forms of identification are required, with at least one of these forms showing the current address.
Once these requirements are met, they are ready to vote. Use this link to find your Illinois polling place
Here’s a rundown of the presidential candidates. More details about each candidate, including state and local candidates, can be found here.
Donald J. Trump is the Republican nominee for president and was formerly the 45th president from 2017-2021. His running mate is JD Vance, a senator from Ohio.
Kamala Harris is the Democratic nominee for president. She is currently the Vice President of the United States and was formerly the Attorney General of California (2011-2017) and a U.S. Senator from California (2017-2021).
