Illinois has taken a step forward into the digital age, giving residents the option of registering to vote online.
Back in July, Illinois became the 18th state to allow voters the option of registering online after Gov. Pat Quinn signed the measure into law. Just three months later, the Illinois Board of Elections already has the new system up and running. Election officials are anticipating the first wave of online applicants early in the new year, ahead of the gubernatorial primary election in March of 2014.
The online registration process is—as expected—easy and convenient. You can apply to register to vote using the online application tool provided by the Illinois State Board of Elections; a state-issued ID along with a printer or an e-mail address are needed to complete the application.
While critics of online voter registration express concern over an increased potential for fraud, Cook County Clerk David Orr argues that the Illinois State Board of Elections has a strong system of checks and balances in place to prevent misconduct.
If you plan on voting in the 2014 Gubernatorial Primary Election (March 18), you have until February 18 to register online. Click to view the full 2014 Election Schedule and Registration Deadlines.