In the Course of Human Events: 100actions.com action item: Learn Your Election Deadlines

The 100actions.com action for today is

Learn Your Election Deadlines
You've still got some time before Election Day, but do some research and learn the important Election-related dates for your state. Absentee ballots, registration dates, etc.

Excellent idea! This info is available at Cook County Clerk David Orr's Voterinfonet website.

Some voting and election definitions first

regular Voter Registration: Voters can register in-person at their county, village, township and other government facilities, register with a deputry registrar, or register by a mail-in form to vote.
Early voting: All voters may vote in-person before the election without having a reason or excuse.
Absentee voting: voters may cast absentee ballots by mail.
Grace-period registration and voting: The regular registration deadline is extended by 14 days for voters who vote early or by absentee ballot.

The Deadlines for the 2006 General Election on November 7.

September 28: First day to apply for absentee ballot
October 10: Last day for regular Voter Registration; Last day to apply for Absentee ballot -- it must be received at Clerk's Office!
October 11: First day for Grace-period registration and voting
October 16: First day for in-person Early voting and Absentee voting
October 24: Last day for Grace-period registration and voting
November 2: Last day for Early voting (in-person); First day to apply for absentee ballot for voters admitted to a hospital, nursing home or rehabilitation center five days or less before Election Day.
November 6: Last day to apply for absentee ballot for voters admitted to hospital, etc. 5 days before election -- it must be received at Clerk's Office!; Last day for absentee ballots to be postmarked for acceptance by Clerk's Office.
November 7 Election Day: Go vote!