Looking forward to the weekend, local Easter bunnies are likely to be all ears for local egg hunts while local candidates running in the Consolidated Election have their ears to the ground trying to anticipate the results of next Tuesday’s vote.
And in the spirit of Disney’s lovable Thumper, a mischievous bunny known for receiving advice from his father, here’s hoping thoughts of resonating thumping sounds welcome a joyful holiday weekend while reminding voters to head to the polls to cast their ballots by 7PM Tues., April 7.
Though this light-hearted plea for voting may seem eggs-tra silly, this election is important. There’s still time to be an informed voter in this spring election. And it’s kind of a big deal.
8:55AM Sat., April 4
For starters, an Easter bunny will be present during the Jaycees Easter Egg Hunt at Frontier Park when thousands of youngsters, grouped by age, will make a b-line across a baseball field covered with colored plastic eggs, just for the fun of it, thanks to an enthusiastic group of volunteers from one of the city’s many service organizations.
Parents are reminded to arrive plenty early with a basket or bag for collecting eggs. Plan time to find parking. Don’t to be late for the very important date.
Line up begins in advance of 8:55AM, Sat., April 4, in order to be ready and set to go promptly at 9AM. Most of the time, nary an Easter egg remains by 9:05AM.
After the big scramble for eggs, the Easter Bunny will be available to meet and greet youngsters for photos. And the Jaycees will keep moving forward planning their 2015 Distinguished Service Awards Recognition Dinner on April 16 and Lobster Day on May 9.
Frontier Park is located just south of 95th Street at 3380 Cedar Glade Rd. Turn at the light by the 95th Street Library.
Early Voting ends April 4
Registered voters might note that April 4 also is the last day of Early Voting at the Naperville Municipal Center for the Consolidated Election, where politics is most important—locally.
Early Voting runs now through Sat. April 4, 2015, at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street. DuPage County residents and Naperville residents in Will County will find Early Voting there. Hours are 8:30AM-7:30PM today, Friday. This Saturday, hours are 9AM-5PM. (Note! Early voters are required to show a photo ID on a valid driver’s license or state-issued or government-issued identification card.)
For information about other Early Voting locations, residents can call DuPage County Election Commission at (630) 407-5600 and the Will County Election Commission at (815) 740-4615.
The polls for the 2015 Consolidated Election will be open from 6AM-7PM Tues., April 7.
What would Thumper say?
“Hop to it! After a lengthy campaign sometimes called ‘silly season,’ time is running out to be an informed voter.”
The fictional rabbit character known for his habit of thumping his left hind foot, made famous in Disney’s animated film “Bambi,” also is used here to call attention to the importance of this springtime election. Note 10 positive reasons to vote, mindful of the advice Thumper received from his father, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothin’ at all.”
10 Reasons to Vote / 6AM- 7PM Tues., April 7
1. So you can complain…
If you think it’s time to spring for a change, informed voting is for you.
2. It’s your right…
Around the world, individuals have died for this privilege to participate in elections. In America, it’s your right.
3. Representation…
Find out who best will represent you. Make sure your concerns are their concerns— and get to know all of them.
4. To cancel out or show support for someone’s vote…
If unfavorable candidates are performing well in PN’s unofficial straw poll for City Council, vote in the Consolidated Election to be sure to cancel them out. (And vice versa!)
5. Be part of the solution …
Decisions are made by a majority of individuals who make themselves heard by voting. Be informed. Vote for the best candidates.
6. Still, it’s your freedom to vote…
“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” —John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States, 1961-1963
7. To bust projections about low voter turnout in a local Consolidated Election…
Prove the analysts wrong who are forecasting low voter turnout!
8. If you don’t help elect local governing bodies, someone else will…
Why would you want someone else choosing the elected officials who will determine local public policy and approve budgets? Be an informed voter by getting to know the candidates.
9. Every vote counts…
Remember how terribly close the 2013 City Council Election was? For 2015, all nine seats, including Mayor, are up for election. Also vote for school board members, park district commissioners, College of DuPage trustees and Regional School Board trustees.
10. Sound off!
Your opinions matter. It’s time to speak your mind and be heard with your informed votes.
Fill final days of electioneering with can-do messages
Again, Thumper’s most memorable line in the 1942 Bambi movie was “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothin’ at all.”
Thanks to all candidates for giving Naperville voters many choices during this historic election. Vote! It’s kind of a big deal.
Be informed! By 7PM Tues., April 7, it will be too late.
Many happy returns.
