So I’ll be the first to admit that sometimes administrative stuff like getting a library card, paying my electric bill, and registering to vote, can seem way more complicated than it should be.

I can’t help you with the utility bills or the library fines. However, here’s all the info you need to make SURE you are registered to vote. Don’t risk getting to the polls (or NOT going to the polls) on election day and being unable to vote!

This site, which is run by the Obama campaign, seemed to be the easiest one to use that I found. Even if you think you’re probably registered (did you move in the past couple of years?), you can use it just to double check that you are registered just by entering your name and current address. Check it out at: www.voteforchange.com

If you’d prefer a non-partisan place to register, you can go to: www.registertovote.org

Google also has a really handy tool for making sure you know where your polling place is (The G says polling locations will be posted mid-october. In the mean time the tool is great for getting your states deadlines and general info)

Don’t wait! In Illinois, you have 13 more days to register! Other states have other deadlines. That Google tool I listed above will tell you what the deadline for registering in your state is.

Also, for all you Chicago folks: don’t forget that you can vote early! This isn’t absentee voting, you can actually walk into a polling place, ANY of the early voting polling places, any day between October 13 and election day, and cast your vote. No lines, no waiting, no risking that your polling place might run out of ballots on election day. I do it every time I vote, and it is soooo much easier. Here’s a link to all the info about voting early in Chicago:

http://chicago.about.com/od/governmentandmedia/a/earlyvotingcook.htm

Now you have no excuse! A few quick clicks and you’ll be all set. Don’t let this opportunity slip by!