Let us repeat what we’ve been promoting since the dates petitions became available for Naperville City Council late last summer: the Consolidated Election of local governing bodies is today, April 7. Polls are open now through 7PM to cast ballots for folks who want to serve on the Naperville City Council, local school boards, Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners, College of DuPage Board of Trustees and Regional School Board of Trustees.
Your vote today is where it matters most— locally.
After a lengthy campaign sometimes called “silly season,” only hours remain to become an informed voter and cast a ballot in this historic election.
Some of the candidates and media sources are predicting about 16 percent voter turnout in Naperville or about 15,000 voters.
Yet, there is still time for Naperville voters to prove the guesstimates wrong. And thanks to an abundance of information in the candidates’ own unedited words both in print and during public forums, the electorate can still head to polls as educated voters.
What’s interesting is the candidates on the ballot for City Council and Mayor provide a wealth of experience, dedication and skill sets representing all the zip codes in Naperville; yet, various organizations and media outlets have endorsed a wide range of nine choices that set them apart.
Your PN editors urge residents to take time to review all candidates in print and on video.
For months, this website has chronicled the meet and greet opportunities, public forums, NCTV-17 interviews, candidate fundraisers and endorsements from other media outlets. To get things going on January 3, this website posted its Election and Voter’s Guide with “20 Questions,” a Q&A featuring all the 24 candidates for Naperville City Council in their own words, unedited, with their photo.
We truly appreciate that they all participated so we could learn their strengths and commitments. Our city is blessed that so many hopefuls want to serve on our governing bodies.
If you visit the Election and Voter’s Guide, check out the Election News. For easy access, Election News is hyperlinked to other online info, too.
And remember! It’s OK to take your children with you to vote. Provide a wonderful lesson for youngsters today when you cast your ballot and put on a sticker that says, “I voted today!”
11 Reasons to Vote by 7PM Tues., April 7 / That’s today!
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 discredit 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 all of 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. Talk to family, friends and neighbors. Remind them that today’s Election Day. It’s time to speak your mind and be heard with your informed votes.
11. To help the community move forward…
No matter what the outcome of the race, be a good sport and take down all the campaign signs as quickly as possible!
Head to the polls to elect hopefuls with can-do messages
Thanks to all candidates for giving Naperville voters many choices during this historic election. Vote! It’s kind of a big deal.
Be informed! Vote between 6AM and 7PM Tues., April 7.
If you are in line by 7PM, Election Judges will allow you to vote. After 7PM, it will be too late.
Many happy returns.
—PN Editor, Stephanie Penick
