Municipal elections typically have the lowest turnout of all elections, even though members of the community directly feel the impact of local decisions more often. Local elections also impact Illinois State students.
The referendums, town council candidates, and library board members, among others, have a direct impact on taxes, parking enforcement, and other local ordinances and restrictions. The Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) is encouraging the campus community to vote on April 4.
“With turnout for municipal elections being historically low, we have a huge opportunity to expand the civic participation of the ISU community,” said Avery Spranger, graduate election intern for CCE. “There are important issues on the ballot this April and these races often come down to just a handful of votes.”
The Redbird Voter Guide has information on how to register, the different ways to vote, how to find your polling place, and information on the candidates.
Ways to learn more about the candidates
Instructors and students can request a presentation to learn more about local elections.
Attend the Candidate Open House from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, in the Bone Student Center’s Brown Ballroom. Candidates for city council, school boards, and the Heartland Community College Board of Trustees will be there. Stop in anytime. No registration is required.
This is a great opportunity to meet candidates and learn more about their positions. The event is hosted by WGLT, NAACP, McLean County League of Women Voters, and CCE.
Casting your ballot
There are several ways to participate in this election. Early voting has started at the McLean County Government Center and runs through April 3. Check the McLean County website for specific hours.
On Friday, March 31, CCE is hosting an ISU Vote Early Day, on which students can reserve a ride to vote between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Government Center. Register for a spot here for a guaranteed ride. Reservations are not required. Meet at the CCE, 300 West North Street in Normal, for a ride. The van is handicap-accessible. If you have questions or need to be picked up off campus, call CCE at (309) 438-1100.
Voting by mail is a great option for those who have difficulty making it to their polling place or would rather take time at home to research each race. March 27 is the last day to request a Vote by Mail ballot electronically.
April 4 is the deadline for vote by mail ballots to be postmarked or dropped at a drop box. Need a stamp? Students can stop by the CCE to pick up a stamp. Many counties have prepaid mail-in ballots. Check that your mail-in ballot needs a stamp.
The CCE also has a drop box until April 4. McLean County residents can drop their mail-in ballot and receive an “I Voted by Mail” sticker!
Election Day is April 4. Polling places are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you are in line by 7 p.m., you can vote.
The Bone Student Center will not be a universal polling place for this election. Students living in Watterson Towers, Tri-Towers, or Hewett-Manchester Halls can vote in the Bone Student Center. Students living in Cardinal Court vote at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1510 North Main Street in Normal. Employees and students living off campus should check online to find their polling place.
Students who cannot vote at the Bone Student Center can reserve a ride online or call CCE at (309) 438-1100 for further assistance. Rides will be available from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Election Day.
The deadline for online voter registration was March 19. If you have questions, contact the CCE at (309) 438-1100, visit the Redbird Voter Guide, or visit the #RedbirdsVote table at Milner Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 28 or 30.
ISU recognized as National Voter Registration Day Top 100
Illinois State’s municipal engagement efforts come after an active fall midterm election season on campus. The campus was recently recognized by National Voter Registration Day (NVRD) as one of the top 100 organizations that took part in the 10th anniversary celebration of National Voter Registration Day on September 20, 2022.
NVRD is the nation’s largest nonpartisan civic holiday dedicated to getting every eligible American registered to vote every year on the third Tuesday of September. Illinois state registered 208 people that day.
“Considering there were over 4,000 partner organizations, we are thrilled to be included in the top 100,” said Dr. Katy Strzepek, Ph.D. ’18, director of the Center for Civic Engagement. “We are so proud of our efforts and the campus participation.”
