For many University students’ this is their first opportunity to cast a vote in a presidential election and may be their first time voting at all. The process is simple, but there are a few things to know when preparing for election day.

1. Know which Champaign County polling place to vote at. The first step is simple: make sure to show up at the right place on Election Day. To find voting locations and times on Nov. 8 go to https://www.champaigncountyclerk.com/elections/polling_place_lookup.php.Just put in a name and address and the information will be provided.
2. Polling places are open from six a.m. to seven p.m. There may be lines to vote so plan accordingly.
3. If voting in Illinois for the first time, a state ID is required at the polling place. If this isn’t the first time for voting, then an ID is not required.
4. Political promotion
   1. Voters can’t wear a shirt or other article of clothing (inside the polling place) that promotes a specific candidate. It counts as political promotion and is not allowed within 100 feet of the polling place.
   2. So people hoping to show pride for their candidate, just wear a jacket over the political paraphernalia or put it on after voting.
5. To cast a vote for a write-in candidate:
   1. “If you wish to vote for a person whose name is not on the ballot you may write or print the name of a candidate in the blank space below the office.
   2. Fill in the oval opposite the name with the marking device provided.
   3. Write-in votes are counted only for those candidates who file a declaration of intent to be a write-in candidate.”

   According to the Champaign County Clerk.              Source: Champaign County Clerk

   https://www.champaigncountyclerk.com/elections/docs/writein.pdf

For the most up-to-date information about voting and election day go to www.champaigncountyclerk.com and stay with The Daily Illini for updates and coverage.

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