Voting is simple, but registering to vote is a must. Registration materials are available at county courthouses, city halls and other places.

To vote, you must:

• Be a citizen of the United States.
• Be a resident of the state.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Not have been convicted of a felony.
• Not currently be judged ``mentally incompetent'' by a court.
• Give up your right to vote in any other place.

The deadline to register to vote before a general election in Illinois is 28 days before the election. Voters must be a resident of the county for at least 30 days to vote in local elections. Registration reopens two days after the election.

In Rock Island County, register at the county clerk's office, with precinct committee members, at village halls or township office, in the city clerk's office, or at selected banks, credit unions and libraries. For more information, call the Rock Island County Clerk's Office, 786-4451.

In Henry County, register at the courthouse in Cambridge, at township clerks' offices, in the Geneseo or Kewanee city clerks' offices, with precinct committee members, or at any local library. For information, call 937-5192.

In Iowa, the deadline to register to vote before a primary or general election is 10 days, or 11 days before any other elections. A person moving within Scott County may change his or her address at the new precinct polling place on election day. An Alternate Registration Form must be filled out and sent to the Iowa Secretary of State. For further registration information call (319) 326-8631.