The holiday season is a time for joy, generosity, and for many, a chance to make dreams come true. For over a century, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has been doing just that through its beloved Operation Santa program.

The United States Postal Service receives thousands of letters to Santa each year. In response, they created the Operation Santa program. Through this program, the USPS gives people the opportunity to adopt and respond to them.

Today is Election Day and Illinoisans who did not vote early or by mail will be taking to the polls to cast their ballots for the candidates of their choice. We’ve put together some of most frequently asked questions to help voters navigate Election Day in Illinois.

What time can I vote on Election Day?

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Should the polls open late or have other operating issues, they may be ordered by the courts to remain open later.

Voters must be in line at the polling place before polls close to be permitted to cast a ballot.


Where is my Election Day polling place?

You can find your polling place on the State Board of Election website.


Do I need identification to vote?

It depends.

If you are a registered voter and have voted in previous Illinois elections your signature is typically all you need to vote on Election Day.

If you registered by mail you are required to vote in person for the first time. If you did not provide identification with your mail-in registration, you must provide two forms of ID, and one must include your current address, such as a utility bill.

If you plan to register to vote on election day you will be require to meet certain conditions and will need identification. See the next FAQ, “Can I register to vote on Election Day at my polling place?”


Can I register to vote on Election Day at my polling place?

Yes. You will need identification and must meet these requirements:

1. Must be a U.S. Citizen
2. Must be 18 years old to vote in a Consolidated General Election
3. Must have been a resident of the precinct at least 30 days prior to Election Day.

You will also need to provide two forms of identification and one must include your current address. Accepted identification includes:

• A current and valid photo identification like a driver’s license or state ID
• Utility bill
• Bank statement
• Government check
• Paycheck
• Lease or contract for residence
• Student ID and mail addressed to the voter’s residence
• Government document
  
  

Where do I find out who is running for office or what measures will be on my ballot?

Sample ballots can be found on your county election authority website or the Illinois Voters Guide.


Can I bring written or printed material into the voting booth to help me remember who to vote for?

Yes. You are permitted to bring written and printed materials into the voting booth.


Can I get instruction on how to use the voting machines?

Yes. Any instruction that might be required should be given by a poll worker before you enter the voting booth and in view of the entire polling place. A specimen ballot, not the voter’s official ballot, must be used during instruction.


I have a vision impairment. Can I receive assistance in casting my vote?

Yes. Voters with specific disabilities may receive assistance in voting either from the election judges or from a person of the voter's choice, as long as that person is not an employer, union official or candidate on the ballot. If the voter who needs assistance does not specify a person to assist them, then the voter can be assisted by two election judges, one from each political party. The voter and the assistant must complete a Affidavit of Assisted Voter.

I requested and received a ballot in the mail, but did not send it in. Can I vote in person at my polling place?

Yes, however you must bring the ballot that was mailed to you to the election site. If you do not bring your mailed ballot with you to the polls, you will only be able to vote using a provisional ballot.

I’m pretty sure I registered to vote. What if my name isn’t on the voter’s list in my precinct?

If your name is not on the registered voter list and you believe you registered to vote in your precinct, you have the right to vote on a provisional ballot. Your vote will count if election officials confirm your eligibility to vote. You can find out if your provisional ballot was tabulated on the State Board of Elections Provisional Ballot Search webpage.

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Read more:
How to cast your ballot in Tuesday’s election

In the Illinois General Assembly, lawmakers convene in Springfield for two different legislative sessions during the year. The first of the two is Spring Session or Regular Session, taking place from January through the end of May, adjourning with the passage of the state budget. The second session is Veto Session, spanning over two weeks, typically between October and November.

Before the creation of infrastructure and establishment of large populous cities, bison roamed around North America, including in Illinois. The Prairie State served as the perfect spot for these large mammals as they are grazers by nature, with 90% of their diet being made up of grasses, sedges, and other grass-like plants. While bison were drawn to areas with luscious prairie to graze, their patterns only helped to restore disrupted ecosystems. Since bison typically only eat grass-like plants, other plants and animals that lived in the prairie or grassy areas were left alone and able to flourish without being forced out by overgrown grass. With having the large animals in these grassy areas, the soil beneath their hooves was constantly being compacted, which helped to open areas for new plant growth.

CORRUPTION
As Former Speaker’s Corruption Trial Carries on, Republicans Continue Call for Ethics Reform. Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan is currently sitting trial facing 23 felony charges, including racketeering, bribery, wire fraud, and extortion. While Madigan’s trial takes place in Chicago, House Republican lawmakers are continuing their call for comprehensive ethics reform and will continue to push for common sense laws as the trial continues over the next 11 weeks.

In 1994, Congress issued Joint Resolution 413 declaring November 1st Family Literacy Day. This day is observed every year to raise awareness about the importance of family literacy and the crucial role it plays in developing children’s ability to communicate effectively. Literacy skills are fundamental for success in life, and today serves as a powerful reminder that learning valuable skills doesn’t just happen in school, but also at home. Parents are encouraged to foster effective opportunities to bond with their children and teach them reading and learning skills with daily routines. Taking the time to engage with your children to strengthen their learning skills will also build a family bond. Activities such as drawing, writing, reading, singing, and talking will help improve children’s literacy skills.

Halloween has roots that stretch far beyond the brightly lit pumpkins and decorated houses we see across Illinois each October. Its origins go back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a time when the Celts of what is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France marked the end of the harvest and prepared for winter. They believed that, on this particular night, the boundaries between the worlds of the living and the dead were at their thinnest, allowing spirits to roam freely. People would gather around bonfires, dress in disguises, and leave food offerings to ward off any wandering souls that might bring harm or mischief​