Make Your Vote Count



Make Your Vote Count

Brenda A. Sheriff, CSA

I recently discussed the upcoming election with friends. As usual, emotions and voices were elevated. To outsiders, we may have sounded like an angry bunch ready to fight. But among my friends, raised voices fueled by political passion are common. They go together like a hand and glove!

For decades, we have shared these loud, raucous debates. We are best friends, passionate about life and, especially, partisan politics at election time. We also share a commitment to raising awareness about the importance of voting. None of us has ever missed an opportunity to vote.

When discussing voting, I ask whether people consider it a right or a responsibility. About 80% of those I informally poll say it is a right. I also ask how registered voters choose their candidates. Many rely on familiar names from political advertisements or sample ballots.

The most troubling response comes when I ask whether they understand the duties of the offices on their ballots and how those duties can affect their lives. Usually, I get a blank stare!

After a lifetime of “Getting Out the Vote,” these responses are disheartening. If voters do not understand the offices on their ballots, how can they make informed decisions about who should represent them?

Education is the first step toward change. As the saying goes, to know better is to do better.

Let's examine the November 3, 2026, midterm election. What are we voting for, and why should we care?

FEDERAL OFFICES

U.S. Senator: Illinois voters will elect one senator to a six-year term. Senators vote on federal laws, judicial appointments, treaties and the federal budget. Their decisions affect Social Security, Medicare, prescription drugs, taxes and federal spending. They also have the power to impeach.

U.S. Representative: All 17 Illinois congressional districts will elect representatives. They help write federal laws, approve spending and oversee federal agencies, influencing housing assistance, health care, veterans' benefits and community funding.

ILLINOIS STATE OFFICES

Governor and Lieutenant Governor: The governor leads the executive branch, signs or vetoes legislation and proposes the state budget. The lieutenant governor supports statewide initiatives and succeeds the governor when necessary. Their leadership affects education, public safety, transportation, health care and services for older adults.

Illinois General Assembly: State representatives and senators pass laws and approve budgets. Their decisions influence property taxes, housing, public schools, Medicaid, nursing-home oversight and consumer protections.

Attorney General: Enforces laws within the office's authority and represents Illinois in legal matters, including consumer fraud investigations and civil rights enforcement.

Secretary of State: Oversees driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, state records and other services involving identification and driving privileges.

State Comptroller: Manages state financial accounts and authorizes payments from state funds.

State Treasurer: Safeguards and invests state funds and administers financial programs that help preserve public resources.

COOK COUNTY AND LOCAL OFFICES 

Depending on your address, your ballot may include the Cook County Board president, commissioners, clerk, treasurer, assessor, Board of Review members and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District commissioners. Chicago voters will also elect members of the Chicago Board of Education and its president.

These offices matter! County leaders influence budgets and public services. The sheriff administers court orders and operates the county jail. The assessor determines property assessments used to calculate property taxes, while the Board of Review considers assessment appeals. The county clerk maintains vital records and performs other statutory duties. Water reclamation commissioners oversee wastewater treatment and stormwater management.

JUDGES AND PUBLIC QUESTIONS

Your ballot may include judicial elections, retention questions or public questions about proposed policies or constitutional changes. Judges interpret and apply the law, resolve disputes and protect the rights of people appearing before the courts.

YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE ELECTION DAY

Your ballot depends on your address and district. Obtain your sample ballot, identify the candidates and learn what each office does. Visit the Illinois State Board of Elections at elections.il.gov. Ask candidates about their experience, plans and how they will fulfill their promises. For incumbents, ask what they have accomplished to earn your vote.

November offers another opportunity to make our voices heard. We can hold elected officials accountable by voting out those who have failed to serve or protect our families and communities.

Voting is a right, but exercising that right is also a civic responsibility. Our elected officials make decisions that reach into our homes, wallets, schools and communities. We cannot afford to leave those decisions entirely in the hands of others.

GET YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER! Know what you are voting for, understand why it matters, and make your vote count.

THIS WEEK'S QUIZ: Before voting for a candidate, what is the most important thing a voter should do?

Answer to Last Week's Quiz:  The main reason to purchase an annuity is to create a dependable stream of income in retirement, potentially guaranteed for the rest of your life, so you don't outlive your money.

For Questions or Help: 773-817-0601 basheriff1@gmail.com Watch, like and subscribe to “Conversations With the Citizen”

Disclaimer: The illustrations and examples presented in this column are not, nor are they intended to be, legal, financial, tax, insurance, or other licensed professional advice. Readers should consult the licensed professional of their choice regarding their individual circumstances.



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