Voter Registration Deadline is Oct. 9; Early Voting and Absentee Voting is Available

As the November presidential election nears, make sure you're registered to vote. The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 6 election is Tuesday, Oct. 9.

To register, you'll need two forms of valid ID, such as a driver's license, utility bill, library card or other forms of identification.

So, where can you register? Any of the local places below, and also at the Will County Clerk's office, 302 N. Chicago St. in Joliet. Here's the local list:

• Village Hall
• Haven Administrative Center
• New Lenox Public Library
• New Lenox Township
• Lincoln-Way Central High School
• Haines School
• Register online at the Will County Clerk's website.

Will County Clerk Nancy Schultz Voots said nearly 376, 300 people in Will County are registered and eligible to vote in the Nov. 6 election.

To find where you vote and who's on your ballot, go to the County Clerk's precinct finder. You can also read Patch's coverage to get a rundown of who filed for election in county, state and congressional races:

Patch's 2012 Voter Guide.

Early voting happens locally and at the Will County Clerk's Office

Early voting is scheduled between Oct. 22 and Nov. 2 at the village hall or at the Will County Clerk's Office.   

Absentee voting procedures

The Will County Clerk is currently accepting requests for absentee ballots by mail for the General Election.   

Registered voters can request an absentee ballot online at the Will County Clerk's website or by calling the office at (815) 740-4632 or (815) 774-6367. The Will County Clerk's Office will need the voter's name, residence address, mailing address and date of birth at the time of request.

The law stipulates that the clerk's office can begin mailing ballots on Thursday, Sept. 27.  The last day is Thursday, Nov. 1.

In-person absentee votes will be offered at the Will County Clerk’s Office between Sept. 27 and Oct. 20 and also on Nov. 5. Voters must show a valid government-issued photo ID.

The County Clerk’s Office is located at 302 N. Chicago Street, Joliet. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon. The County Clerk’s Office will be closed Saturday, Oct. 6 and Monday, Oct. 8 in observation of Columbus Day.

Which issues are most important to you in the 2012 election? Tell us in the comments.