Voter Registration Machine, conveniently located in the lower level lobby of the UGL
In 2008, college students played a vital role in propeling Barack Obama into the White House, and into history. Turning out in numbers larger than any since 1972 when the vote was first offered to 18-year-olds, the Millenial generation showed that they have the power to impact the world.1 Are you registered to vote for this year’s election? Whether you are or not, stop by the UGL this week and find out what you can do to make sure your voice is heard.
This week (through Thursday) you can register to vote at the UGL. Representatives from the Champaign County Clerk’s office will be here from 2-8 PM to help you join the ranks of Illinois voters. They’ll be set up on the right as you enter the upper level of the UGL, just across from the Circulation desk. In addition to helping you register, they can also answer any questions you might have about the registration process, voting, polling places, absentee ballots, etc.
Registering is a cinch! Just come prepared. You will need your driver’s license as well as basic information: address, phone number, previous voting address, and any prior name(s).
If you miss the voter drive, don’t worry! The UGL can still help you do your patriotic duty. We have a voter registration station [pictured above], conveniently set up in the lobby of the lower level. Here, you can fill out the form electronically, print it, and drop it in a secure box. You’ll need all of the same information for the electronic form as you do for the registration drive (so be prepared to provide your driver’s license number).
There are few dates you’ll need to keep in mind if you aren’t able to register to vote during this week’s drive. The last day you can register to vote is October 9th. That means that if you want to use the registration machine the UGL, give yourself a week or so to make sure your form can get processed. Also, if you’re planning on voting by absentee ballot from your hometown, your request has to be received by October 30th. Questions about how that’s done? Stop by the Registration Drive and get those answers and many more!
1Lipka, S. and Wideman, R. (2008). Young Voters Overwhelmingly Favored Obama, Swinging Some Battleground States. Chronicle of Higher Education, 55(12), A21-A23.
