Primary Elections: Key Dates to Remember

The Cook County Clerk's office has posted new information about the upcoming elections.

Primary Elections: Key Dates to Remember

The Cook County Clerk's office has posted new information about the upcoming elections.

With the primary elections just over a month away, the Cook County Clerk's office has been busy updating its website with information for voters. One of the updates includes a list of key dates going into the Feb. 26 elections, including voter registration deadlines, the early voting period and the absentee voting deadline. Here is the list of dates to mark on your calendar: Source: Cook County Clerk's Office Another recent update is a complete list of candidates for the 2nd District special election, which is the only race Heights residents will vote in on Feb. 26.  See the list of 22 candidates hoping to replace Jesse Jackson Jr. in the 2nd District congressional seat. We'll be posting new information about the primary elections as it …

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Vote Early, But Just Once, Starting Monday

Early voting in Cook County starts Monday, Feb. 27, and ends March 15. There are five places in south suburban Patch towns where you can vote early.

Early Voting for the March 20 Presidential Primary Election is set to start Monday at five locations in Patch towns within south suburban Cook County. Early voting also can be done at the clerk's downtown Chicago office, 69 West Washington St., and Cook County courthouses, according to Cook County Clerk David Orr, or any one of the 42 suburban sites listed on the clerk's website. When: Feb. 27 through March 15.  How: Early voters do not need a conflict or excuse to vote before election day, but they must have a government-issued photo ID such as a current driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Voters must choose a party when casting a ballot in a primary election.  What's on the ballot: President of the United States, …

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Cook County to Issue Civil Union Licenses June 1

County clerk offices across Illinois will open early next week to celebrate the bill going into effect.

County clerk offices across Illinois will open early June 1 to mark the first offering of civil union licenses. "I'm thrilled this day has finally come," Cook County Clerk David Orr said in a news release. "This will be a joyous day for all couples — gay and straight — who want to make history as part of the inaugural group of civil unions." On Jan. 31, Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act, which recognizes same-sex unions. With the new legislation, Illinois became the sixth state to allow civil unions. The law will go into effect Wednesday, June 1. To celebrate the occasion, the Cook County Clerk's Vital Records office will open at 7:30 a.m. to issue civil union licenses. The Daley …

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