Don't do this on Election Day: Important reminders and advice for Chicagoans

The 2024 Presidential Election is almost upon us here in the beautiful city of Chicago!

…And, your friendly Chicago Star opinion column writer has put together—just in time—some friendly (or not so friendly) reminders to help you get through the process.

1. Don’t…forget to study up beforehand. Know who you are voting for and what positions they are running for. Reading some of the backgrounds of the candidates helps, the newspaper editorial recommendations are always helpful, and it's also good to be aware of some of the key issues that might be on the ballot.

2. Don’t… forget the location of your polling place. Check info received in the mail to make sure you are going to the correct spot. We don’t want you wandering aimlessly around the city trying to figure out where they moved your polling place to.

3. Don’t…forget to bring a piece of paper with your choices. A “cheat sheet” of sorts. Sometimes the pressure of being in the booth with people waiting , one can get flustered a bit. Writing down all of your choices beforehand makes it much easier to make your selections once behind the polling curtain.

4. Don’t… forget to show up early. Give yourself some extra time in case the lines are long. (Not usually the case, but like Chicago expressway traffic…you never know.)

5. Don’t…forget to check on neighbors, friends or family that may need help getting to the polling place. Voting is one of our great freedoms and rights in this country, but there are some with handicaps, or no means of transportation that might need a little assistance.

6. Don’t…forget to let your boss know in advance your plans to take some time off and go vote. Any bosses giving you a hard time in this regard? Send me names and contact information and I will have a “little discussion” with them. (Not really…but it felt go to write.)

7. Don’t…forget to bring proper identification. Proof of address, drivers license, copy of bill paid—anything and everything you have just in case.

8. Don’t…wear any political t-shirts that might have controversial pictures on the front or back. Not cool, and can raise the ire of others around you, who may not feel the same.

9. Don’t…be afraid of talking to the other folks while you are waiting in line. Instead of standing and waiting awkwardly and uncomfortably—strike up a friendly conversation with the others waiting in line. You never know what friends you could make, although I am still waiting to hear the first couple that said “we first met waiting in line at an election polling place.” But you never know!

And most important of all…

10. DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!