Grace period registration and voting begins Oct. 10

By Jim Muir

Grace period registration and voting begins today throughout the state of Illinois.

Voters will be required to vote at the Election Office after registering to vote according to a spokesperson at the Franklin County Election Office.  The grace period will run through Nov. 3, 2012.  The Election Office will be open until 5 p.m.

Here is a list of important dates for the upcoming Nov. 6 General Election:

Last day to register to vote — Oct. 9, 2012

Grace Period Registration and Voting

First day grace – Oct. 10,2012 (Wednesday)

Last day grace – Nov. 3, 2012 (Saturday)

Early Voting for General Election

First day early voting — Oct. 22, 2012 (Monday)

Last day early voting — Nov. 3, 2012 (Saturday)

Dates and Location

Monday, Oct. 22 through Sat, Nov. 3 at Franklin Co. Election Office, County Annex Building, 202 West Main, Benton, IL

Monday-Saturday – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 27  — Denning, Township, 217 S. Horn St., West Frankfort, IL  – 8 a.m. to 12 noon

Saturday, Oct. 27 — Christopher City Hall, 218 North Thomas St., Christopher, IL — 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Absentee Voting for General Election

Last day to mail absentee ballot- military/overseas – Oct. 29, 2012

Last day to mail absentee ballot- domestic US – Nov. 1, 2012

Last day  for in-person absentee voting – Nov. 5, 2012

The Franklin County Election Office, County Annex Building in Benton will be open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the month of October and Saturday, Nov. 3.