Early voting has started

Lansing Public Library is an early voting location

by Melanie Jongsma

LANSING, Ill. (March 7, 2018) – Voters who want to avoid the possibility of forgetting to cast their ballots on March 20 can opt for early voting at a variety of locations throughout the region. For Lansing residents, the library may be the most convenient option—2750 Indiana Avenue in Lansing, Illinois.

Benefits of early voting

Sue Marwitz always chooses early voting rather than waiting for Election Day. “You avoid the big lines,” she explained, “and all of the electioneering going on.”

Lana Quinn is a regular voter, but this was her first time taking advantage of early voting. On her way from the bank, she happened to pass the library and remembered that early voting was offered here. “It’s so close!” she said.

Helpful people

Lansing resident Clarice Pittman has served as an Election Equipment Manager for two years. This year, at the library, she is serving with Carolyn Smith and Sheller Washington, and the three create an atmosphere that is friendly, efficient, and relaxing. They agree that the Lansing Public Library is a beautiful location.

The three arrived on Friday, March 2, to set up and test all the equipment. They received training, and they have a manual to guide them through the process, and some familiarity with computers also helps. Set-up took about three hours. They also arrive at least an hour early each morning to audit the equipment and calibrate the machines before voting officially opens.

Helpful links

While Election Judges and Equipment Managers are not allowed to influence voters toward particular candidates, they do encourage people to be involved in the democratic process. “Let your voting be your voice,” said Smith. “And take some time to do some research.” The Cook County website is a resource that all voters should be familiar with. The right sidebar of the “2018 Elections” page includes links to candidates, write-in candidates, referenda, and more.

The website also has sample ballots that show which candidates are running for which offices:

• Sample Republican ballot
• Sample Democratic ballot

When and where to early vote

Early voting is set up on the second floor of the library, in the glass-walled room facing the top of the staircase. Early voting is available on Saturdays and Sundays as well as weekdays. The posted early voting hours are:

• March 5–9 (Monday–Friday), 9:00am–5:00pm
• March 10 and 17 (Saturdays), 9:00am–5:00pm
• March 11 and 18 (Sundays), 10:00am–4:00pm
• March 12–16 (Monday–Friday), 9:00am–7:00pm
• March 19 (Monday), 9:00am–5:00pm

The Lansing Public Library is located at 2750 Indiana Avenue in Lansing, Illinois.