Downers Grove: This Is What Your Ballot Will Look Like In November

Today marks one month until this year’s presidential elections.

Yes, you read that right — just one more month until this campaign craziness is over (well, kind of). It crept up on us, between the presidential debates, drama and social media feuds that have characterized this campaign season, but it’s almost here.

So it’s time you were 100 percent up-to-date on your candidates and the voting processes around you, whether that’s registering locally or applying for an absentee ballot out-of-state. Either way, Patch has you covered.

Registering to vote in Downers Grove

You can register to vote at Downers Grove Village Hall, the Downers Grove Township office and any other local city, village or township halls in DuPage County. Since elections are getting closer, some of these places may have closed down registration; if that’s the case, don’t worry: You can still register at the DuPage County Election Commission office, which is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Commission office will also be open specially on Saturdays from 9 a.m. through 1 p.m. until election day.

You can also check out Downers Grove’s voting reminders here.

Am I eligible to register?

If you’re over 18 years old, a U.S. citizen who can only vote in the U.S., not in jail and live in your election precinct for a month before the election, you’re eligible.

When’s the last day I can vote to register?

In DuPage County, it’s Tuesday, Oct. 11.

I don’t know if I’m registered or not.

Easy fix. Visit the DuPage County Elections website and use the “Voter Information Search.” This function also allows you to see a list of voter registration locations near you.

I can’t register by the deadline!

Lucky for you, DuPage County offers a “grace period” for voter registration. If you’re a voter who changed your address before the traditional deadline, if your voter information isn’t up-to-date by the deadline or if you couldn’t register for some other reason, you’re still eligible to register within the grace period starting Wednesday, Oct. 12.

What if I’m really, really late?

If it’s Election Day and you still haven’t registered to vote, DuPage County still has you covered. This year is the first year voters will be able to register and vote even on Election Day itself.

Can I vote out-of-county, -country or -state?

Yes. If you’re registered to vote, you can vote through an absentee ballot that’s mailed to you. Read more about voting through the mail here.

I still have questions.

No worries — the DuPage County Elections website is thorough. Check out all of their voting information here.

The candidates in Downers Grove

Below is a snapshot of a sample ballot for a Downers Grove resident, thanks to Ballotpedia. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with your local candidates.