As Election Day is coming up on Nov. 8, here is my experience and a few tips on what it’s like being a new voter. 

On Nov. 8th, the state of Illinois will elect their governor, two Illinois Supreme Court justices, all Illinois’ representatives, junior U.S senator, every state senator and state representative, and as well as country and judicial offices throughout the state. As I just turned 18, one of the few things that I can officially do now is vote. 

The first step I took was researching and learning about the candidates. Voting is an important deal. Make sure you’re doing your research about the candidates and keep in mind what they will bring to the table. I used websites, news articles, and followed up on the candidate’s campaigns to get a solid idea on who I really wanted to vote for. 

Medical Terminology and BNAT Instructor at Niles North Angela Mell encouraged me to register to vote. “If you don’t know anything about a candidate, then don’t feel like you have to vote for them,” Mell said. “Don’t vote for ones based on a specific race or anything. Only vote for the ones you actually know something about.” 

After doing my research, the second step I took was registering to vote. You can register to vote online, in person, or through mail. In person registration can be done at one of the Cook County Clerk’s locations, a village, city, or township clerk, and Illinois Secretary of State’s driver’s license facility. Niles North also offered two in person registration set ups on Sept. 14 and Sept. 28 during lunch periods. In person registration was due by Oct 11. To register through the mail, you must complete and download the forms from the Cook County website. You print them, fill them out ,and mail it to the Cook County Clerk office. Registration through mail closed on Oct. 11. Online registration was available up until Oct. 23, though will open back up on Nov. 10 for “Grace Period” registration. If you still aren’t registered to vote, don’t worry! You can still register when you go to vote on Election Day but it must be at your home precinct only. Make sure to bring two pieces of identification, and one of the two must have your current address.  

Last but not least, I found my precinct or “polling place”. I found it on the Cook County website. By entering your township, the precinct locations and addresses will pop up. 

As a young adult, it is important to represent the future generations’ vote. We want someone who will hear and appreciate our ideas, as well as provide us a safe and inclusive community to live in. If you have recently turned 18, most of your friends might not be able to vote still. It is important to use your voice and speak up for others who can’t.

“It feels good to be a new voter and finally be able to have a voice,” senior Amor Ambubuyog said. “Being a young adult, it is really important to be able to elect a well suited candidate that benefits the community.”

If you have just recently turned 18, make sure to vote! You still have time and your voice matters.