McHenry County midterm elections will take place on Nov. 8 in person and by mail. Citizens must be registered and at least 18 years old to vote.

Polling locations include the McHenry County Administration Building and the McHenry City Hall. 

Midterm elections are held halfway through a presidency and determine Congressmembers and local officials. Key races include the U.S. House, U.S. Senate and Illinois governor. Results reflect which party controls Congress and how the president is doing.

“If we believe we are a democracy, we have to vote to have our voices and values heard,” Activism Club advisor Stacy Rockweiler says. “It’s important to vote because so many people have fought for that right. To be apathetic towards voting diminishes all that work.”

Voting registration is still taking place at polling locations through the “Grace Period” that extends through Election Day. Two forms of identification, one with an address, are required to register, says the Illinois State Board of Elections. 

Vote-by-mail ballots must be requested before Nov. 3 and returned by Election Day. Contact Rockweiler at [email protected] with any questions.

“My advice for people who’ve never voted is to get registered and get out there and vote,” Rockweiler adds. “It’s definitely [students’] first adult step — becoming a member of society and making your voice heard.”

At top of the ballot will be a proposal to add workers’ rights to the Illinois Constitution. A “yes” vote supports recognizing the “fundamental right to organize and bargain collectively.”

“Don’t let other people’s influences determine who you’re going to vote for,” Rockweiler advises. “Really look up the candidates and determine [who’s] going to give you a better future.”

Check out our website, themchenrymessenger.com, for more special midterm elections coverage.