Western Courier| October 15th, 2018

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Opinions: Parental Guidance must be strictly enforced.

Sports: MLB Playoffs advance to the

Sports: Football steamrolled by North Dakota State.

Sunday, October 15, 2018 - Vol. 119 Issue 23

AWARD-WINNING STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY. SERVING MACOMB SINCE 1905.

Voter Registration open through

ELECTION DAY By Emily Boyer courier staff

Despite what you might have seen online via social media earlier this week, the deadline to register to vote in Illinois has not passed. In fact, you can register all the way through Election Day, which is Tuesday, Nov. 6.   Before casting a ballot in this year’s midterm elections, college students must first decide whether they’re going to vote back home or switch over their voter registration to Macomb.  “For me, it makes sense to have students register here,”

By Chance Darby

Dr. Keith Bockelman, the Chair of Western’s Political Science Department said.  He said students spend the majority of the year away at school and should have a say in what happens in their college’s community.   “Voting is a chance to make a difference in local politics which affects them and how they live their lives in Macomb,” Bockelman said.   Local voters this fall will have the opportunity to choose the makeup of the county board as well as who will represent this area it the statehouse and in Congress. There are also a variety of statewide offices up for grabs including

governor, comptroller, and attorney general.  Additionally, Bockelman said students who are registered to vote in Macomb will have the opportunity next spring to have their voices heard in city elections where turnout is much lower and single votes can make a difference in the mayoral race and city council elections.  McDonough County Clerk Gretchen DeJaynes said ultimately, it’s a personal decision as to whether a student decides to vote in their hometown or in Macomb.  “A lot of times they will have ties to home, or someone they know is run-

Gaven, Levi and Lily here.  “I am seeking re-election for the County Board because I care about the county’s success and the people who live here,” Oster said via email. “I grew up here, met my wife here and am raising my three children here. Simply put, this is a great opportunity to give back to the community for all of the great things it’s done for me.”  Oster brings several unique skills to the table when it comes to running for the position.  “I have several years of administrative experience, including creating budgets, drafting and implementing policy, managing personnel and serving as an advocate for various groups. I am currently the youngest member of the board. This allows me to bring

a completely different perspective and voice to the table.” Oster said.  Being the Director of Insurance, Risk Management, and Compliance while also being an Instructor gives him interactions with a diverse group of individuals, across campus, which provides a foundation for the understanding of individual needs.   The County Board meets the third Wednesday of every month unless announced at the meeting prior that it is changing. Next meeting will be held on Wednesday, at the County Courthouse. The meetings are also open for the general public.

ning for elected office,” DeJaynes said.  Ultimately, if a student decides to vote back home, DeJaynes said they need to be planning a trip back to Macomb to cast their ballot or they can go ahead and request an absentee ballot online, print it off and mail it back in.   If a student decides to vote locally, DeJaynes cautions against waiting until Election Day to register and cast your ballot. She says those who put it off should expect to have to wait in a long line on Nov. 6 at the McDonough County Courthouse.  Students can register to vote online at the Illinois State Board of Election’s website through

Oct. 21. Alternatively, they can register to vote at the McDonough County Courthouse, but be prepared to cast a ballot immediately after registering in person. You’ll need two forms of ID to register. One of them must show a local address that can be a piece of mail, university housing contract, or pay stub.  DeJaynes said her office will also set up a make-shift polling station in the University Union the week of Oct. 29 – Nov. 2. She said the voting machines will be set up in front of the bookstore and student can register to vote and also cast a ballot between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. each day.

Oster looks for re-election to County Board

courier staff

Western Illinois University Instructor, Alumni, Director of Insurance, Risk Management, and Compliance, Digger Oster is looking for re-election for County Board on Tuesday, Nov. 6.   The McDonough County Board consists of 21 members currently, which are elected from three County Board Districts in McDonough County. Oster currently is a member of the County Board District 1 and would love the chance to continue this amazing opportunity.   Oster was born and raised in McDonough County, Met his wife Sarah here, and is currently raising his three children:

Digger Oster page 2

flickr.com

Digger Oster, Director of Insurance, Risk Management and Compliance looks for re-election to the County Board for District One.


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