Graphic by Davian Arvizu, Graphic Designer
By Jonah Marshall, Staff Writer
Background on Constitution Day.
Constitution Day is September 17 and it celebrates the signing of the Constitution in 1787 in Philadelphia. The Constitution is made up of 27 amendments, the preamble – which is the introduction to the Constitution – and lays out the ideas written by the founders in the seven articles.
Constitution Day came to be a federal holiday after Louise Leigh founded Constitution, Inc. in 1997 to draw more attention to the importance of the Constitution. Then, in 2004 it was passed and included in a spending bill, and officially recognized in 2005. The holiday joined Citizenship Day, signed into law in 1952 by Harry Truman. Citizenship Day replaced “I am an American Day,” which started in 1940.
How to register to vote in Illinois.
Registering to vote is very simple and can be done online in the state of Illinois at this link. it could take a few days to process. It is best to do it online a couple weeks before November 5 this year
Where to vote and where your polling place is located.
This link will tell you where your voting place is based on the address you use to register to vote.
If you have any trouble registering or finding your polling place, please contact the Illinois Board of Elections at this link.
Why voting is so important.
Voting is a way to express and tell America’s leaders that you are either happy or unhappy with the way the country is being run. If you do not like or you do like the way the country is being run, your voice is your vote. If you decide to not vote that means that you do not have the ground to stand on to complain about the results. If you are not happy on election day with the results and you did not vote this is a message now warning you that if you do not vote you do not have the ability to complain. You live in a democracy, use your right to voice your opinion.
Election Day Field Technician Program for Community College Students
Moraine Valley Community College has joined with the Cook County Clerk’s Office to offer a program that offers specialized training for Field Technicians for the November 5 Presidential Election. Community College students can earn $800 by participating in this program. The program offers 8 hours of coursework in Cybersecurity (2 hours/virtual) and Civics (6 hours/virtual) in addition to equipment training (4 hours/in person and additional online Election Judge Training) provided by the county. Working the election day shift beginning at 4:30 AM and ending as late as 11:00 PM is also required. Students must have access to a vehicle and cell phone and have the ability to navigate around a designated portion of the suburbs while visiting the assigned precincts.
Election day responsibilities (4:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.):
- Make sure voting begins in a timely way.
- Rapidly notify a coordinator of any problems.
- Provide written assessments of the Election Judge teams in specified precincts.
Click this link to apply.
Key dates to remember this election cycle.
September 26: Early voting starts. Mail in voting begins.
October 20: Last day for online voting registration.
October 31: Last day to send out your mail in ballot.
November 4: Last day for early voting.
November 5: Election day.
