Are you ready for the Illinois Primary on March 17th?

Illinois’ primary election is just around the corner! On Tuesday, March 17, voters will go to the polls to decide their party’s nominees for the November 3^rd election. But you don’t have to wait until March 17 to vote.

Early voting officially opens in Illinois today, March 2, which means you can cast your ballot at designated polling places now.

Are you short on free time? Worried about the weather or waking up sick on Election Day? Voting early takes that stress away and can help you avoid long lines. Importantly, casting your ballot now can help stop all those phone calls, mailings, and text messages you’ve been receiving from candidates.

If you do vote early, remember that you can register or update your voter registration at the same time. Visit the Election Authority’s office website for full details. This is true all the way up through the polls closing on Election Day!

Ready to go? Click here to find your early polling place.

But why is it important to vote? It’s just a primary…

Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy. It’s your key to having a voice in the way our government is run, from local offices that directly impact our communities, all the way up to the presidency. Voting in the primary also allows us—average citizens—to weigh in on our party’s platform and nominees for the General Election in November.

And while it is rare, there are occasions that elections have razor thin margins. In 2018, for instance, a downstate Illinois race for County Sheriff came down to a single vote.

Your vote matters.

Illinois’ Primary Election Day is March 17

Ok, so you’re ready to vote. Now what?

1. Let us know you’re ready to go! Pledge to vote at plannedparenthood.org/vote.
2. For extra credit, pledge to get three friends the ballot box as well. It’s as simple as texting THREE to 22422.

This election season, we want everyone to head to the polling place and use their voices to make a difference. Voting is good for our communities and good for our country. Thanks for doing your part!

Riane Hawkins is the Deputy Director of Advocacy and Campaigns at Planned Parenthood of Illinois.