LOYOLA VOTES - VOTER INFORMATION
DEADLINES | HOW DO I REGISTER? | ABSENTEE/MAIL-IN VOTING | WHO DO I VOTE FOR? | ONLINE RESOURCES
2020 ELECTION DAY: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3
VOTING REGISTRATION DEADLINES
For the most part, voter registration deadlines are early-to-mid-October across the United States, especially when a mail-in/absentee ballot is required. In Illinois, same-day registration is permitted when voting takes place on site.
HOW TO REGISTER
Thirty-nine states allow online voter registration. This is a great place to start and depending on your home state, you will likely need to provide drivers license information (DLN). Make sure to ONLY enter information on a site that includes .gov.
Here is a link to registration and voter information for all 50 states.
ABSENTEE/MAIL-IN VOTING
In order to participate in absentee/mail-in voting, you must complete the following steps.
1. Be a registered voter
2. Apply for a mail-in/absentee ballot
3. Receive ballot via mail and complete it, carefully following return instructions
4. Deadlines will vary, but generally most ballots need to be received by November 2
Note
There is often confusion about the different meanings of absentee ballots versus mail-in ballots. The simple answer is verbiage and precise definitions vary by state. In Illinois, if one wants to vot e by mail, thy can start with the Voting by Mail Application found here. Other states often make people apply for an absentee ballot and mail that in. Absentee voting can also take place in person, weeks before the election, also known as early voting. Find early voting options for Illinois here.
Mail-in ballots are often counted last, if need be. Prior to this year, they have only been a fraction of th total vote. Many states do not even require them to be delivered by November 3. Illinois requires that mail-in ballots be postmarked by November 3 and received by November 17. This year is going to be different due to the dramatic increase of mail-in voters. Anyone that is concerned about their vote should call their local election office, whose information will often be found on their county's website. Find out what your state and local policy is in terms of counting mail-in votes and voice any concerns.
MAIL SITES
The Loyola Post Office, which is located at 6317 N. Broadway in Chicago (across from the Starbucks), remains open from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday. The Loyola Post Office uses Rambler Bucks and a valid Loyola I.D. is required for entry.
The next closest option to the Lake Shore Campus is the United States Post Office located at 1723 W. Devon, Chicago, IL 60660 between Clark and Ridge. While the Loyola Post Office will charge you for the proper postage (stamps), one must research or ask a USPS employee about the required postage for their destination at an off-campus site.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Check the following Instagram accounts that highlight the voting process
@whenweallvote @loyola_votes @athletesvote
