EARLY VOTING 

Illinois voters can cast a ballot prior to Election Day without having to provide a reason or an excuse for wanting to vote early.

A major reason for the new law is to encourage greater participation in the election.

Approximately 35 other states allow some form of early voting, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections.

For the April 9th, 2013, Consolidated Election, early voting will be conducted at the Henry County Courthouse, as a temporary site, in the office of Barbara M. Link, Henry County Election Authority.

Early voting begins on Monday, March 25th, 2013, and ends on Saturday, April 6th, 2013. Hours for early voting are 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 6th, 2013.  The courthouse will be closed March 29, 2013 to observe Good Friday.  Early voting hours will be extended on April 3, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

The new state law requires that a registered voter show valid photo identification before voting early.  Voters casting an early ballot must display a current driver’s license, a state-issued ID card or another government-issued ID with a photograph. 

The law prohibits a person who voted during the early voting period from voting at the polls on Election Day.  The votes cast during the early voting time period will not be counted until after the polls close on Election Day.