Macon County Clerk reminds citizens there is a new voting center this election

Decatur, Ill. (WAND)-- Today marks the start of early voting here in Illinois for the upcoming November election. Starting this morning voters were heading out to the polls to cast their ballots, but here in Macon County voters will be heading to a new voting center in Decatur.

Josh Tanner, the Macon County Clerk, says, "It is a new facility, so we want to remind everyone about that at 151 West Wood Street and there is no longer voting in the county office building."

In order to be able to exercise your right to vote and cast your ballot you need to be registered to vote. If you haven't registered yet, you can register at the new voting center.

"You need to be registered to vote, but if you're not registered, we can register you and allow you to vote at the same time. We are open 8:30 to 4:30 and early voting continues now through election day, " added Tanner.

While election day isn't until November there are some advantages that come with early voting. If you decide to head to the center to cast your vote early, you get to choose the time that works best for you to cast your vote.

"You get to choose the time of day that is convenient for you. You never know what is going to happen on election day. Family emergency, you get called out of town for work. We hear stories every election. Someone who didn't get a vote because they waited until election day, and something happened that they just didn't expect."

Tanner says the best advice that he can give to voters is to come prepared.

"Take your time, know what you want to do before you come in research the candidates and the positions you want to vote on before you get to the polls, because sometimes people are a little surprised at what is on the ballot."

Tanner also says that if you are trying to avoid the big crowds like you see on election day, then early voting may be the right choice for you. Over the next few weeks voter turnout is typically lower and increases as the November election inches closer. The voting center here in Macon County is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday with special times to be able to vote on the weekends as the election gets closer.