What are the boundaries for the 11th judicial subcircuit?
Why are some judges elected by subcircuit and others elected countywide?
Do subcircuit judges preside only in cases within the subcircuit?
How can I help get Tom elected?
What is the deadline for voter registration?
How do I find/confirm my polling place?
Do I have to register as a Democrat to vote for Tom in the primary?
What if I can’t get to the polls on Election Day?
What are the boundaries for the 11th judicial subcircuit?
The 11th subcircuit includes some city and some suburban Cook County areas; the map below shows the boundaries of the subcircuit.
View 11th Judicial Subcircuit Map Cook County IL in a larger map
Suburban Communities in the 11th Subcircuit:
Bellwood, Des Plaines, Elmwood Park, Franklin Park, Harwood Heights, Maywood, Melrose Park, Norridge, Oak Park, Park Ridge, River Grove, Rosemont
Chicago neighborhoods in the 11th Subcircuit:
Austin, Belmont-Cragin, Dunning, Forest Glen, Galewood, Hermosa, Irving Park, Logan Square, Jefferson Park, Montclare, Portage Park, Norwood Park, O’Hare, Schorsch Village
Why are some judges elected by subcircuit and others elected countywide?
For many years, ALL circuit court judges were elected countywide. But in 1992, Cook County created subcircuits to ensure that some judges are selected by members of their own communities.
Do subcircuit judges preside only in cases within the subcircuit? No. All Cook County Judges, those elected countywide and by subcircuit, serve all residents in Cook County and can be assigned in locations throughout the county.
How can I help get Tom elected?
Even if you don’t live in the 11th subcircuit, there are many ways to be a part of the campaign.
- Volunteer – We need volunteers to help with everything from organizing fundraisers to distributing yard signs to making phone calls and labeling pamphlets.
- Share – Tell your friends family and colleagues about Tom. Using your own network to spread the word is a very powerful tool. Call your cousin in Galewood, e-mail your friend in Rosemont, share news about Tom on Facebook, LinkedIn and social networks.
- Donate – A donation of any size makes a difference. Mailings, lawn signs and events are expensive, but necessary to get the word out about Tom.
- Participate – Join us at campaign events, sign up to receive campaign email, become a fan on Facebook or follow Tom on Twitter.
To register to vote, you must be: (1) A U.S. citizen; (2) At least 18 years old by Election Day; and (3) A resident of your precinct at least 30 days prior to an election.
There are several convenient methods of registering:
- Complete a mail-in voter application form and return it to the Cook County Clerk’s office. You an download an application at http://www.voterinfonet.com/pdf/english_reg_form.pdf
- Register to vote in person by going to: one of the six Cook County Clerk office locations, a village/city/township clerk or an Illinois Secretary of State’s drivers license facility. You can register to vote when you obtain or renew your drivers license or state identification card at any of the license facilities. Registration is also available at other state government offices, including public assistance offices and military recruitment offices.
What is the deadline for voter registration?
Voters must register by Tuesday, January 5 to vote in the February 2, 2010 primary. Beginning on January 6, there is a 14-day “grace period” during which citizens may register and vote immediately in the office of the Board of Election Commissioners or at a voter registration location specifically designated for this purpose. For more information, consult www.voterinfonet.com (Suburban Cook County voters) or www.chicagoelections.com. (Chicago voters).
How do I find/confirm my polling place?
Suburban Cook County voters should visit www.voterinfonet.com Type in your suburban Cook County street address to view your voting districts. If you live in Chicago, visit www.chicagoelections.com.
The primary election is Tuesday, February 2, 2010. Tom is a candidate in the Democratic primary. The winner of the Democratic primary will be on the ballot for the general election on November 2, 2010
Do I have to register as a Democrat to vote for Tom in the primary?
Illinois voters do not need to “register” by political party or “declare” a political party membership or preference, but voters may select a specific political party’s ballot at their polling place when voting in a primary election. Since Tom is running as a Democratic candidate in the February 2, 2010 primary election, voters who wish to cast their ballots for Tom must request a Democratic ballot.
What if I can’t get to the polls on Election Day?
If you are registered and eligible to vote, there are two ways to make sure your vote is counted:
- Any eligible voter may cast a ballot at an Early Voting site in their jurisdiction (i.e., Chicago voters may use Chicago Early Voting sites; Suburban Cook voters may cast ballots at Suburban Cook Early Voting sites). Voters do not need a reason or excuse to use Early Voting, but voters must present valid ID to cast their ballots. Early Voting for the Feb. 2, 2010 primary will be offered Jan. 11 through Jan. 28, 2010. For additional information about early voting, suburban Cook Country voters should visit the Cook County Election Department website at www.voterinfonet.com. Chicago voters may visit the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners at www.chicagoelections.com.
- Certain voters, including people with disabilities, college students and military personnel, are eligible to cast Absentee Ballots by mail. You may request an absentee ballot as early as December 24, 2009, for the February 2, 2010, election. For your ballot to count, you must return it postmarked on or before February 1. For additional information about absentee voting, suburban Cook Country voters should visit the Cook County Election Department website at www.voterinfonet.com. Chicago voters may visit the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners at www.chicagoelections.com.
