On Sept. 17, the League of Women Voters of the La Grange Area offered paper voting registration forms to LT students. Illinois citizens must turn 18 on or by Nov. 5 to vote in the general election, but 16-year-olds may preregister to vote.

“Collectively, the youth of this country have the power to make a difference in any election,” League member Susan Wisthuff said. “There are issues that matter to all of you – environmental, social, or economic – student aid for one.”

The League of Women Voters is a national, non-profit, nonpartisan organization formed by suffragists in 1920 with the purpose of advocating for voting rights and informed and active participation in government. The League of La Grange typically hosts a voting registration drive at LT every year.

Paper voting registration forms must be completed with identifying information, including a driver’s license, State ID number, or the last four digits of one’s social security number. Registering voters must also give their name, address, phone number, email, and county of residence. The League was only able to deliver fully completed forms to be processed. 

Alternatives to paper voting registration include online registration through the League’s Illinois Voter Guide, or the government Illinois Online Voter Registration site. The Voter Guide also includes information about candidates and polling dates and locations.

“If you think your vote doesn’t matter, remember that recent elections have shown that outcomes can be determined by a small number of votes – especially in local elections,” Wisthuff said.

The League is not permitted to endorse specific candidates or political parties but does lobby for legislation on specific issues, such as campaign reform. It generally supports progressive policies like peaceful international relations, conservation of natural resources, and LGBTQ+ rights.

“We should all do our homework to determine how the candidates stand on those issues,” Wisthuff said. “There might not be a single candidate that agrees with you on every issue, but it is better to vote for someone who aligns with most of your viewpoints.”

According to the United States Census Bureau, 18-29 year olds have the lowest voter turnout in the U.S. compared to any other age group. The most common reasons cited for not voting were being too busy and being uninterested due to feeling one’s vote wouldn’t make a difference. 

However, general voter turnout has been on the rise, with turnout in the 2022 congressional elections being the highest for non-presidential elections since 2000 and the 2020 general election turnout being the highest of the 21st century, with the increase compared to 2016 being the highest voting increase between presidential elections on record. This is commonly thought to be due to the historically unpopular presidency of former president Donald J Trump, one of only five presidents on record to have won the election while losing the popular vote. Trump’s presidency was especially unpopular with 18-29 year olds, who typically lean Democratic.