Monroe County Clerk Dennis Knobloch

As the Nov. 6 election draws closer with each passing day, Monroe County Clerk Dennis Knobloch provided information on early voting and registration deadlines. 

In-person and absentee voting will be available in the county clerk’s office at the courthouse in Waterloo beginning Thursday, Sept. 27.

“Those wanting to vote early can just come into our office during normal business hours and they can vote at that time,” Knobloch said. “Voters can also request a ballot by mail if they are unable to get to the courthouse to vote.”  

Knobloch added that his office will be open Saturday mornings on Oct. 27 and Nov. 3 for early voting from 9 a.m. to noon.

The final day to register to vote for the Nov. 6 election, or to change registration information, is Tuesday, Oct. 9.

In order to vote, registration information must be current, including correct house address.

Prospective voters can register at the county clerk’s office or at any Secretary of State Driver License facility. Voter registration is also offered online at https://elections.il.gov.

Knobloch said his office has seen an uptick in the amount of early voters during the past few elections.

“We have definitely noticed more people taking advantage of the early voting process in recent years,” he said.

In addition to the race for governor between Republican Bruce Rauner, Democrat JB Pritzker, Libertarian Grayson Kash Jackson, Conservative party candidate William “Sam” McCann and independents Gregg Moore and William “Dock” Walls III, other races affecting Monroe County residents include Republican Mike Bost against Democrat Brendan Kelly in Illinois’ 12th District for U.S. Congress, Democrat Jerry Costello II against Republican David Friess for 116th District state representative, and Republican Jonathan McLean against Democrat Jason Jones Sr. for Monroe County clerk.

Knobloch, who is retiring as clerk at the end of this year, said his office is also preparing for the April 2019 election that will include municipal, school board, park district and library district races.

“Petition packets have been distributed to all of the local governmental entities and they can begin petition circulation on Sept. 18,” he said.

For more information, call the county clerk’s office at 939-8681, ext. 302.