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EIU Civic Engagement and Volunteerism

Operation EIU Votes

 

Voting is one of the most American acts you can take! We can answer all questions from how to get registered to vote, what to expect the ballot to look like, and just how awesome you will feel after you cast your vote! #EIUVotes

We have invited a non-partisan group of people from across campus to come together to help us spread the word about what we are doing on campus! We have three main efforts: educate our community campus with facts, helping our students and campus community get registered to vote here in Coles County or in their hometown, and then get them engaged and excited to turn in their ballot for the election!

What is the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge?

The Eastern Illinois University has joined more than 317 other colleges and universities around the country by committing to the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge.

      

Contact Us

If you would like to propose an event related to the ALL IN Campus Challenge or if you want to host a voter registration event, contact 
the Office of Leadership and Engagement at ole@eiu.edu .

 

Voter Registration

Voter Registration Portal: Use this portal as a one stop location to register to vote or check to see if you are already registered!

Before you register to vote, it's important to makes sure that you are eligible to vote. To vote in Illinois:

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • You must be 17 years old on or before the date of the General Primary and turn 18 on or before the date of the General or Consolidated Election.
  • You must live in your election precinct at least 30 days prior to Election Day.
  • You must not be serving a sentence of confinement in any penal institution as a result of a conviction.
  • You may not claim the right to vote anywhere else.
Illinois Voter Registration Deadlines
If you were registered in DeKalb County for the general election last November and you haven’t changed your address, you are ready to vote in the local elections!
  • In-person: 27 days before Election Day, after which you may register during the early voting period through Election Day.
  • Online: 16 days before Election Day 
  • Grace period: You can also register in person (and vote) at your local elections office during the "grace period." The grace period starts 27 days before Election Day and ends on Election Day. Grace Period Voting does not take place at your regular polling place. Grace Period Voting almost always happens at your local election office. Contact the election authority in your county for more information.
How to Register

You'll need the following information to complete online voter registration:

  • Your Illinois diver's license of state ID.
  • The issue date of your identification.
  • The last four digits of your Social Security number.
  • Your date of birth.

Same day registration is available during early voting or on election day. During this time frame, you can register and vote at the same time. Proper identification is required. 

If you wish to register in another state, you can find voter registration forms for your state online at Vote.gov. You can also check your registration status in another state if you are unsure of your voter registration status.

Ways to Vote

By Mail

If you cannot make it to a polling place during an early voting time or on Election Day, you can request a Coles County vote by mail ballot. When you receive your application in the mail, you'll need to fill it out and sign it according to the instructions.

Vote Early

Avoid lines on election day and vote early. All students registered in Coles County are eligible to vote early on campus in the MLK Union bridgeway or at the Coles County Courthouse.

EIU will be hosting a Vote Early day on TBD!

Early voting will be available February 23rd-April 3rd. Check here for specific hours.

Vote on Election Day

Illinois municipal elections will be March 19th, 2024. Polling place hours are 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. If you are in line by 7 p.m., you are entitled to vote. Not sure where to go to vote, Coles County voters can look up their polling place online.

If you need a ride to your polling place on Election Day, reserve a ride at this link or call the Center for Civic Engagement at 309-438-1100 for further assistance. Rides will be available from 10 am until 2 pm.

Future Election Dates - Save the Date

Election 2024 2025
General Primary    March 19  
Local Primary   February 25
Local Election   April 1
General Election November 5    
Voting Matters - Why vote?

Voting in the General Election

“Voting is your civic duty.” This is a pretty common sentiment, especially each November as Election Day approaches. Participating in elections is one of the key freedoms of American life. Many people in countries around the world do not have the same freedom, nor did many Americans in centuries past. No matter what you believe or whom you support, it is important to exercise your rights.

In the general election, we vote for the President of the United States, as well as some other positions including candidates for Congress, Senate, and some state and local representatives.  Check BallotReady to see who will be on your ballot.

Voting in a Local Election

People are often aware of presidential and midterm year elections in November but often overlook the spring municipal elections. The municipal elections are held every other year (odd-numbered years) and elect positions such as mayor, township and city council members, school board members, and more. These are the officials that make decisions on issues, such as affordable housing and rental properties, buses and transportation, parking, law enforcement, public safety, and green spaces etc.that directly impact students and community members.These races often come down to just a handful of votes, so every vote counts! The outcomes of these elections can have a huge impact on the day-to-day workings of our community. As an EIU student, you have the option to register to vote using your local address where you live for most of the year and where many issues have an impact on you while you live here.

Learn about candidates

Be informed and prepared for election day by knowing what candidates will be on the ballot and where they stand on the issues. Sample ballots are available on the Coles County Clerk's website. BallotReady and Vote411 (supported by the League of Women Voters) are also great resources for identifying who will be on your ballot.

Check out My Reps to learn about who is currently representing you. 

Election FAQ

What do I need to register 
You must have two forms of ID, both must have your name and one must have your current address. A sample list of ID are listed below. 

  • Passport or military ID
  • Driver's license or State ID card
  • College/university/school/work ID
  • Business mail postmarked to the applicant (including mail sent from EIU)
  • Library card
  • Vehicle registration card
  • Lease, mortgage or deed to the home
  • Credit or debit card
  • Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid card
  • Insurance card
  • Payroll check/personal check
  • Voter registration card
  • Social Security card
  • Bank statement
  • Birth certificate
  • Utility bill in applicant's name
 

Voter Friendly CampusVoter Friendly Campus Designation

Eastern Illinois University is officially a Voter Friendly Campus! This national designation came after over a year of work from the Office of Leadership and Engagement and the entire campus community. 

 

 

 

 

 

Related Pages

Contact Information

Leadership & Engagement

Eastern Illinois University
MLK Jr. Union 3rd Floor
Charleston, IL 61920
217-581-3967
volunteer@eiu.edu


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