Park Ridge and Niles residents can cast early ballots Monday, Oct. 19, when the Cook County Clerk's Office opens 56 voting sites ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
The Park Ridge Centennial Activity Center, 100 S. Western Ave., and Niles Village Hall, 1000 Civic Center Dr., are among the 56 locations. Early voting runs through Monday, Nov. 2.
The expansion follows a limited launch on Wednesday, Oct. 7, when six locations opened across suburban Cook County. None were in Park Ridge or Niles.
New location, more space
The Centennial Activity Center replaces Park Ridge City Hall, which hosted early voting for the last several elections. City Clerk Michael Lupo announced the switch at the Aug. 17 City Council meeting, telling the Journal & Topics that growing demand had left City Hall short on room. Lupo said he has not decided whether the move will be permanent.
Hours and key dates
Both the Park Ridge and Niles sites will be open:
- Monday through Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sundays (Oct. 25 and Nov. 1): 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Voters do not have to use their home precinct's site. Any suburban Cook County resident can vote at any of the 56 locations, according to the Cook County Clerk's Office. Every site also has a secure Smart Ballot Drop Box for returning completed mail ballots.
Other deadlines to note:
- Oct. 18: Last day to register to vote online
- Oct. 29: Last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot
- Tuesday, Nov. 3: Election Day, polls open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Clerk urges early planning
Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon, in an Oct. 6 press release announcing the early voting launch, said, "Early Voting gives suburban voters flexibility and convenience, allowing them to cast their ballot at a time and location that works best for their schedule."
Voters can view a personalized sample ballot and check registration status at cookcountyclerk.com/VoterInfo. A full list of early voting locations and hours is available at cookcountyclerk.com/EVlocations.
