Tuesday is deadline to register to vote in March 15 primary

The deadline to register to vote in the March 15 Illinois primary election is Tuesday.

On March 15, voters will decide among the Republican and Democratic presidential candidates, as well as narrow the field of Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate seat and other elected posts.

Individuals who are 17-years-old can register, and vote, in the primary if they will be 18 years old by the date of the general election, which is Nov. 8.

Individuals can also register to vote on Election Day in Illinois, but Christian Diaz, executive director of Chicago Votes said he wants to encourage people to register before the Feb. 16 deadline to avoid long lines at polling location son Election Day.

Grace period registration is also available, but requires in-person voting at designated locations. Early voting in Illinois starts Feb. 29.

Cook County Clerk David Orr and the group Chicago Votes held an event Tuesday to encourage youth to register. Chicago Votes volunteers will launch a voter registration effort at several street locations throughout the Loop, specifically to reach students and young people.

For more information about registering to vote, visit cookcountyclerk.com/rtv.