Liz Gorman: Reminder to register to vote -- Feb. 21 deadline

“Decisions are made by those who show up.”   Our right to vote is the most fundamental right we have as citizens. The right to elect those who will lead us and the right to remove those from office when they forget what they were sent to do should be viewed not only as a right but as a duty for good citizens.

Elections are the cornerstone of our freedoms and liberties.  In 2012 we will be electing people to serve us at every level of government – state representatives and senators, certain countywide officials, Members of Congress and the President of the United States.  Each of these have the potential to affect the most important issues facing each and every citizen this year such as the economy, health care, immigration and gun control, just to name a few.

In the primary of 2010 only 25% of those eligible voted in Suburban Cook County.  I realize many believe it is not important to vote in primaries.  But consider the fact that the few who vote in them determine who we have an opportunity to vote for in the general election.  The best person may not be on the ballot in November because 75% didn’t take the time to vote in the primary! 

Please seriously consider taking the time to vote in the Primary.  New laws have made it much easier to take part in the election process.  Early voting begins on February 27th and ends on March 15th and there are various locations to do so.  In addition, absentee ballots may be obtained, which will be mailed to your home and you can mail it back to the County Clerk.

If you are not yet registered you may still do so, but time is running short.  In order to vote in the March 20^th Primary, you must register by February 21st.  If you need information as to how and where to register or other important dates regarding voting in the Primary on March 20^th, please visit my website at www.lizgorman.com.

With all of the important issues facing our nation, our state, our county and our cities and villages, I strongly urge all of my fellow citizens to register to vote and then actually vote.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth “Liz” Doody Gorman

Cook County Commissioner, 17^th District