February 18th is the last day to register to vote for the upcoming March 18th Primary Election.
Registering to vote is the first step to engage in civic life and become a good steward of your God-given responsibility of self-government. A new law now allows any Illinois citizen who will be eighteen by the November 4, 2013 General Election Day to register and to vote in the March 18th Primary Election.
The process for registering is easy and convenient, but unfortunately, millions of Americans choose not to take the time. It’s estimated that from 35 percent to 50 percent of Americans are not registered to vote.
It’s even worse among self-professing Christians. Research shows that only about 60 percent of Christians are registered to vote, and of those, only 60 percent actually vote. This means that only 36 percent of Christians actually vote!
Registering Voters is Easy!
Just think about how many people you know who have moved and need to re-register. Think of how many young men and women you know who are turning 18 and can vote for the first time this year. Consider engaging citizens who have not voted in the past to become actively involved in impacting our nation’s future!
IFI has created a free voter registration packet containing all of the information you need to conduct a drive. Please consider holding a voter registration drive at your church, local school or library. Sign up to help with voter registration drives in your area!
Just 2 Simple Steps:
1. Click HERE to download and print out the Illinois Voter Registration Application. Make as many copies as you think you will need during your registration drive.
2. Mail the completed application(s) to your local election authority. Click HERE to look up the mailing address. If you are unsure of your election authority, please feel free to contact us. Call (708) 781-9328 during normal business hours, or email us anytime and we will be glad to help!
Voter Registration Kit Resources:
Voter Registration Bulletin
Voter Registration FAQ’s
Q. I’ve moved. Do I need to register again?
A. Yes. The easiest way to register again is to just follow the 2-step process above.Q. My name has changed. Do I need to register again?
A. Yes. The easiest way to register again is to just follow the 2-step process above.Q. I am 17 years old now, but will be 18 on the date of the next General Election. Can I register?
A. Yes. You may register now for an election as long as you will be 18 years old on the date of the immediately following General Election. Just follow the 2-step process above.Q. I sent in my form two weeks ago, but I haven’t heard anything back yet. Did it get lost?
A. You should receive confirmation 4-6 weeks after your original submission. If you do not hear from your County Clerk by then, give them a call. Click HERE for a list of County Clerk offices.Q. I am a pastor or a church leader. Can I encourage the members at my church to register to vote and hold a voters registration drive?
A. Yes. Voter registration drives are not considered political activity. Although certain limitations are imposed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax code and campaign laws, churches and pastors are able to engage in nonpartisan activity, particularly voter registration and voter education. There is no legal restriction whatsoever on the ability of churches to register voters or provide them candidate survey information, like the material provided in the IFI Voter Guide.
Many already have grown weary of the political season, but now is not the time to grow weary! This year is shaping up to be one of the most critical ever for issues that affect our families.
The philosopher Plato said it well when he wrote, “The penalty that good men pay for not being interested in politics is to be governed by men worse than themselves.”
To request your IFI Voter Registration Kit, call the IFI office at (708) 781-9328 or email us HERE.
