5 things to know about Election Day in Illinois

Temperatures are dropping, leaves are falling and your chance to play a role in democracy is fast approaching.

President Donald Trump is halfway through his four-year term. And the chance to push his agenda forward — or stop it in its tracks — has arrived. In Illinois, citizens can vote in U.S. House races to help determine if Congress switches to Democratic control and for governor and other state races to determine the balance of power in Springfield.

On the eve of the 2018 midterm elections, whether you’re politically apathetic or ready to tackle your ballot with black ink, here are five things to know about Election Day in Illinois.

1. The big races

All 435 House members are up for election this fall, while a third of the 100 U.S. senators are up for election. In Illinois, voters also pick other offices, including governor, in the midterms.

You probably know J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat. And incumbent Gov. Bruce Rauner, a Republican. Perhaps you know about both of their spending records.

But what about the lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, comptroller and treasurer? State senators and representatives? The Cook County Board? The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District?

For the lesser-known races, or for when you’re feeling overwhelmed by your right to choose, you can learn about the candidates in their own words here and print your own voter guide. There’s also an app for that.

One thing you don’t need to prepare for: tour choice for mayor. There’s no need to stress — yet. The vote to replace Mayor Rahm Emanuel isn’t until Feb. 26, with a runoff — if needed — on April 2.

2. So many issues

Chicago voters will have the chance to vote on a number of issues in the midterm elections, with referendums on everything from mayoral term limits to banning plastic straws. Meanwhile, some voters will face more than 100 choices of candidates.

The outcome of the governor’s race could have ramifications on Illinois’ immigrant community and the ongoing challenge of education.

Then there are other issues at play. If recreational marijuana is legalized, where should the tax revenue go? And should plastic straws be banned once and for all?

3. When and where to go

By Thursday, more than 800,000 Illinois voters had cast their ballots ahead of Tuesday’s election, surpassing 2014’s early voting tally with five days remaining until Election Day. That could mean a strong turnout for the midterm election, election officials say.

But if you’re not an early bird, the midterms are Tuesday. In Illinois, the polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.

State law gives employees two hours of unpaid leave to vote, with one day’s advance notice. But employers may decide when the hours are taken. Some companies are even giving employees a half or full day off to allow more flexible voting.

And if you don’t know, the Illinois State Board of Elections has links to local websites to look up where your polling place is.

4. What to remember

Brush up on your voters’ bill of rights. If you’re in line at 7 p.m., you can still vote.

Registered voters in Illinois generally don’t need identification to vote, but there may be exceptions. The Chicago Board of Election Commissioners has a rundown.

5. It’s not too late!

Don’t stay home just because you didn’t register to vote.

Illinois started offering same-day voter registration at the polls in 2016. If time is of the essence, you can register and cast your ballot at the same time.

If you encounter any issues, you can also cast a provisional ballot.

And if you need a ride, Divvy and other ride-share companies are offering free or discounted rides.