Tuesday is the deadline for those who haven't yet registered to vote and who want to cast a ballot in the March 18 primary.
The election next month is the first time that 17-year-old Illinoisans will be able to vote. They must be 18 by the Nov. 4 General Election to qualify. Cook County Clerk David Orr said nearly 1,000 17-year-olds have registered to vote in Cook County alone.
Orr says that registering to vote is a first step toward civic participation.
Voters will have a chance to vote for their party's nomination for governor, among other statewide elected offices.
Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn is seeking re-election. He faces a primary challenge from activist Tio Hardiman. Four Republicans are running. They are Treasurer Dan Rutherford, businessman Bruce Rauner and state Sens. Kirk Dillard and Bill Brady.
