With Iowa and New Hampshire voting, Illinois will soon have it’s next election with the Presidential Primary. County Clerk Pete Duncan advised voters now is the time to begin forming your voting plan for the March 19th Primary Election.

This primary, voters will cast their ballots to nominate Presidential candidates as well as US Representatives. More locally, State Representative and Circuit Clerk, Coroner, and State’s Attorney are also up for nomination. Voters in County Board District 2, 3, 4, and 9 will select their nominees. Judge Deihl has also decided to not seek retention meaning the Resident Judge position will be on the primary ballot for the first time since 2006.

Duncan also reminded voters of some important dates for them to keep in mind between now and Election Day, March 19th.
• February 8th is the first day ballots will be mailed to voters and the first day to vote early in person at the new Macoupin Voting Center just south of the Courthouse at 227 E. 1st South in Carlinville.
• February 20th is the last day to register to vote or change your registration and still vote at your polling place. February 21st begins grace period voting, where those needing to register or change their registration can do so and vote that day at the Voting Center
• March 14th will be the last ballots can be mailed to a voter before Election Day
• March 19th will be Election Day. Voters can vote in their polling place. If they have a vote by mail ballot, it will need to be postmarked or returned to the Courthouse by 7:00 p.m. in order to be counted. Illinois does not allow mail ballots to be turned in at your polling place to be counted.

Duncan stressed voters have many different options on how they can vote, so voters should begin making their plan to vote now. Anyone looking for more information on the election is encouraged to visit www.macoupinvotes.gov, email [email protected] or call (217) 854-3214 ext 918.