City Issues Vote-By-Mail Reminders

Press release from the City of Evanston:

As the November 3, 2020 Presidential Election approaches, the City of Evanston is reminding residents of how they can vote by mail prior to Election Day.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cook County Clerk’s Office is encouraging all voters to cast their ballot prior to Election Day by mail or by taking part in early voting.

How to vote by mail

Step 1. Request a mail-in ballot

Voters are encouraged to request a mail-in ballot as early as possible to make sure they receive their ballot in time to vote. Registered Cook County voters can request a mail-in ballot online at cookcountyclerk.com/votebymail. To complete an online mail ballot application, voters will need:

• A driver’s license or state identification number, or the last four digits of their Social Security Number
• An address where they would like their ballot to be mailed
• An email address

Voters who do not have one of the items above, or who prefer to request a mail-in ballot by mail, may download, print and sign a mail-in ballot application and send it to the Cook County Clerk’s Office, Mail Voting Unit, 69 W. Washington St., Room 500, Chicago, IL 60602.

The last day to request a mail-in ballot is October 29, 2020.

Step 2. Complete and submit ballot

Return by mail
Mail ballots will be sent to all Cook County voters who apply to receive a mail ballot beginning September 24. The mailing will include a postage-paid return envelope for voters who wish to mail back their ballot. Voters are urged to complete and mail their ballot back as early as possible once they receive it. All ballots must be postmarked no later than Election Day, November 3, and be received at the Cook County Clerk’s Office no later than 14 days after Election Day.

Return via secure drop box
Voters can also drop off their completed ballot at more than 50 secure drop boxes throughout Cook County. Drop boxes will be available at 69 W. Washington St. in Chicago and at the five regional courthouses in suburban Cook County, including the Skokie Courthouse, 5600 Old Orchard Rd., beginning October 9. Drop boxes at early voting sites, including the Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave., will be available beginning October 19 through November 2. Voters can drop off their completed mail ballots at secure drop boxes from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Ballots will be collected on a daily basis and will be time stamped.

Step 3. Confirm receipt

Voters who submit their ballots by mail or via secure drop box will receive an email notifying them when their completed ballot has been received. Voters may also confirm receipt of their ballot by using the “What is My Ballot Status” option of the Cook County Clerk’s Voter Information Tool, or by calling 312-603-0946.

Early voting and Election Day voting

Early voting will be available at the Morton Civic Center starting on October 19. Additional details about early voting will be announced.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Suburban Cook County residents can find their Election Day polling place and other voter information at cookcountyclerk.com/service/your-voter-information.

Residents who are not yet registered to vote can do so online, by mail, or in person. Details can be found at cookcountyclerk.com/agency/register-vote. The last day to register online is October 18. The last day to register in person or by mail is October 6. Voters who miss these deadlines may register during Grace Period registration, or on Election Day at their home precinct only.

For more information, please visit the Cook County Clerk’s website, at cookcountyclerk.com, email mail.voting@cookcountyil.gov or call 312-603-0946. Residents may also contact the Evanston City Clerk’s Office by calling 847-448-8189.

This press release was produced by the City of Evanston. The views expressed here are the author’s own.