Western Illinois University Professors, Students Encouraging Voter Registration
Two Western Illinois University professors, who are members of the McDonough County League of Women Voters, are bringing voter registration information to the WIU community.
Anthropology Professor Heather McIlvaine-Newsad and Political Science Professor Julia Albarracin are teaching students how to register to vote. They are also working with a group of students, organized by Erbin Zejnuloski and University Television, to create a video encouraging voter registration.
“In 2020, Millennials and Generation Z students will compose the largest share of eligible voters, and we want students to use this important right afforded to them in our democracy,” Albarracin said. “The younger generation can define the election outcome if they vote in large numbers.”
Those interested in registering can do so online at elections.il.gov. Oct. 18 is the last day to register to vote through the State Board of Elections website.
Individuals can also visit the McDonough County Voter Registration Office, in the basement of the McDonough County Courthouse, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, and from 9 a.m.-noon the three Saturdays before the election. You will need to present two documents proving your identity to register to vote in person. One of them must show your current address.
Acceptable forms of identification include:
• Passport or Military ID
• Driver’s License or State ID card
• College/University/School/Work ID
• Vehicle registration card
• Lease, mortgage or deed to home
credit or debit card
• Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid card
• Insurance card
• Civic, union or professional membership card
• LINK/Public Aid/Department of Human Services card
• Illinois FOID card
Early voting begins Sept. 24 and runs through Nov. 2 in the basement of the McDonough County Courthouse. Tuesday, Nov. 3 is election day.
For more information about local voting processes, visit mcg.mcdonough.il.us.
