Really, is it time to go to the polls again? Yes. It is.
Every so often an opportunity comes along to really make a difference for your future and that of your community. One of those very simple and easy opportunities will present itself to all of us in just a few short weeks.
You may be thinking you just do not need to be bothered about another election, because election news has consumed our collective consciousness for the past four or five years, but this election really does matter! As we continue to grow older, it becomes ever more important to vote, and our next opportunity will the April 6 Municipal Election. If we hope for good quality sidewalks and roads, and care about the property taxes we pay, it is important to thoughtfully consider the community candidates. It is good practice to keep a watchful eye on them and their actions on our behalf in the future. Remember these community leaders determine not just the integrity of your sidewalks and roads, or the property taxes you will pay, they participate in decisions on what amenities are available to you whether it is park benches and outdoor exercise options, walking or biking trails, contributions to your senior or community centers, community activities to participate in, educational opportunities for residents of all ages, including seniors, and money allocated for fire and ambulance services.
Early voting already has started for the April 6 Municipal Election, and regardless of where you live, there are many important positions to consider. Many residents overlook municipal elections and think they do not have enough information to cast a ballot. It is possibly because our televised and radio news stations tend to give more attention to national issues and news from major cities. But remember, community officials make the greatest effect on conveniences and amenities available to us in our day-to-day lives. In addition to the size of your utility bills and the timing of snow plowing, these policy-makers voted in by you and your neighbors, can affect economic development, for better or worse. They decide on city landscape and economic incentives for new retail and industrial development. They decide how many parks your grandchildren can enjoy, and what amenities they will find there. They grant access to city services to include festivals and special events, support important health and safety initiatives such as vaccination clinics, and facilitate public transit opportunities..
On the ballot in the Spring are names for mayor and alderman, village president and trustees, township supervisors, assessors and township trustees, library district trustees, school district board of education members, regional board of education members, and community college district boards. Beyond seeing the signs popping up on street corners and lawns, voters can find access to full candidate lists at the websites below. Complete voter information is available at www.co.kendall.il.us/offices/county-clerk-recorder/2021-consolidated-election; www.kanecountyclerk.org/elections.
Early voting in Kane County is available at many locations, including The Vaughan Athletic Center, 2121 W. Indian Trail, in Aurora. In Kendall County, early voting is happening at the Office of the County Clerk, 111 W. Fox Street, Room 103, in Yorkville. Early voting in DuPage County is available at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, building 5, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Early voting in Will County is available at many sites.
Beyond the aspect of citizenship and the opportunity to practice our rights in a place where it matters the most, voting is an important appointment to keep, if not just to get out of the house and enjoy some fresh springtime air, to say hello to someone new, and to feel a sense of accomplishment. Now that is a pretty important, simple, and easy way to make a difference, for your hometown, your neighborhood, and yourself!
Barb Nadeau is the community relations manager for the Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois, representing five counties. Barb has worked many years as a professional television and radio host, as well as a print and social media journalist, and as a volunteer coordination professional networking amongst non-profit social service agencies throughout the State of Illinois. She is a freelance writer and an elected alderman in the City of Plano. Barb can be contacted at bvnadeau@gmail.com.