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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 16, 2014 

Contact:  Willard Helander  

                  847.377.2308

 

 

17 Year Olds (with a Birthday by November 4) Can Vote in March Primary

 

WAUKEGAN, Illinois - As many were busy ringing in the New Year, 17 year olds in Illinois who will turn 18 on or before the November 4, 2014 election had something else to celebrate. Students at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire and faculty member Andy Conneen spearheaded "Suffrage at Seventeen" legislation which passed the General Assembly and was signed by Governor Quinn.

    

Any qualified 17 year old residents who will be 18 on or before the November 4th election may register and vote in the March 18 primary. In addition to being 18 years old on or before the general election, applicants must be a U.S. citizen and a resident of the precinct for 30 days immediately prior to Election Day. All applicants must provide two forms of valid identification with one form of identification showing the current address for registration.

  

In pushing for the change in the law, the Stevenson students offered that limiting registration and voting to 18 year olds in a gubernatorial or presidential primary served to unfairly limit their choices and voices in the General Election. The early registration privilege does not apply to odd year elections when there are no general primaries.

  

For more information on County Clerk services and election news, visit LakeCountyClerk.info, follow us at  twitter.com/ClerkWillard, join our page at facebook.com/CountyClerk, or subscribe to our e-newsletter at LakeCountyClerk.info by clicking on the envelope icon or call 847.377.2400.

  

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