I voted this morning in Chicago at 6:20 am sharp. To say the polling place was
empty was a massive understatement. When I arrived there was no line (and
in fact no one in any of the 6 or 7 voting booths at all. I was number two in the vote.
I proudly cast my vote for a number of qualified candidates, in particular
Toni Preckwinkle for Cook County board president. Go Toni!
While many registered voters fail to turn out, I can't help but think of all
the teenagers who want to vote who are unable to do so, just because they
are 16 or 17 instead of 18. I work with many teens like that at the National
Youth Rights Association. These teens have protested, implored legislators,
and even produced their own television commercials. Someday the movement
will reach a critical mass, and lead to a lower voting age nationwide.
But, I digress. Please share your Illinois voting stories with me.