Whiteside County Clerk Dana Nelson wishes to inform disabled and elderly voters of the many aids and provisions for assistance, in voting at the upcoming election. Nelson said that her office welcomes inquiries by anyone who may wish to take advantage of these aids at the Tuesday, March 15, 2016, General Primary Election.
Nelson reminds all Whiteside County citizens who are not registered voters, that Mail-in Voter Registration Applications are available on the Whiteside County website, under “documents and forms;” at nearly all Post Offices in the County; online at www.elections.state.il.us. Those forms can be filled out and sent, by mail, to the County Clerk’s office. Also, there are many Deputy Voter Registrars throughout the County. For more information on one near you, contact the County Clerk’s office at 815-772-5189. The voter registration deadline is Tuesday, February 16.
Nelson stated that all voters may vote by mail. They need merely contact her office to request an application. After filing the application with the County Clerk’s office, the ballot will be mailed to the voter at home, or wherever he or she may be at the time, along with complete instructions for voting and returning the voted ballot. Voters may request an application to vote by mail now through Thursday, March 10.
Early voting is also available at the Courthouse in Morrison, IL, Thursday, February 4, through Monday, March 14. Early voting will also be held at the Sterling, IL, Courthouse at 101 E. Third Street on Wednesday, March 2, Thursday, March 3, and Friday, March 4, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. The only difference between early voting and vote by mail is that you have to vote in person for early voting.
Another aspect to this law is the fact that on Election Day (if requested in advance), the Judges of Election are permitted to deliver a ballot to any voter who cannot get into the polling place. These judges may deliver the ballot to the voter at the point at which he or she is unable to continue toward the polling place–as long as this point is within 50 feet of the Polling Place entrance. Any voter who desires to have the ballot delivered must have first filed an application with the County Clerk’s office prior to election day.
Assistance is also available inside the polling place. Touch screen voting machines will also be available. They are specifically designed to assist disabled voters cast their vote.
Nelson added all polling places throughout the County are disabled accessible. They will have disabled parking spaces available near the building entrance. In addition, all polling places will be equipped with special visual aids to assist voters.
Nelson urges everyone to take advantage of the right to vote at this Election and to request assistance from the Election Judges on election day. They are specifically trained to render this assistance and welcome the opportunity to be of help.
For further information on elections, voter registration, and the available assistance to elderly and disabled voters, contact the Whiteside County Clerk’s Office in Morrison. Regular office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and the phone number is 815-772-5189.