Election Day is November 3, and the Greater Chicago Food Depository is helping neighbors access the information they need to vote.
Elections shape decisions about programs that help people put food on the table and access health care. Federal legislation passed in 2025 made significant cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid, putting access to these essential programs at risk for millions of people. Elected officials will continue to make decisions that affect the future of safety net programs and the neighbors who rely on them.
Through our nonpartisan Get Out the Vote (GOTV) initiative, the Food Depository is helping neighbors navigate the voting process and participate in decisions that affect their communities. Our goal is to make sure neighbors have the information they need to vote.
Meeting voters where they are
This fall, the Food Depository is training volunteers and placing them at 22 pantries in our network, where they help guests register to vote, find their polling places and get answers to other voting questions. We're also partnering with the League of Women Voters to provide additional volunteers at these sites.
The initiative builds on the Food Depository's past GOTV efforts. During the 2024 election cycle, our volunteers visited 12 partner sites to share voter information and help guests navigate the voting process.
"Our neighbors know better than anyone what's at stake when SNAP and Medicaid are on the line," said Molly Dubow, senior manager of advocacy at the Food Depository.
"Meeting people at the pantry, where they already are, makes it easier for them to get registered, make a plan and make sure their voices are part of the decisions that affect their families."
Helping voters at Common Pantry
During a recent food distribution at Common Pantry in Chicago's North Center neighborhood, volunteer Kate Devine helped pantry guest Brian Reynolds, 60, find his polling location.
Common Pantry has been serving Chicago’s North side since 1967.
"It's important to vote," said Reynolds, who was already registered. "It's very important because it's a way to have your voice be heard. Times are tough and voting is a way to hopefully make things better for the future."
Devine has volunteered with the Food Depository for over 12 years, helping at all kinds of events, including food repacks at the Food Depository’s warehouse, GOTV efforts and other special volunteer events around Chicago.
During the 2024 election cycle, she was assigned to Common Pantry to help guests access voter information. She quickly developed a connection to the pantry and now volunteers there regularly, helping to cook food for their weekly soup kitchen. "I think voting is super important, especially at a time where food insecurity is such a huge issue," Devine said.
"We want people to be informed and be able to vote for people that support policies that directly affect them."
Kate Devine helped Common Pantry guests get the information they need to vote this November.
Make a plan to vote
Whether you plan to vote early, by mail or on Election Day, making a plan can help you prepare. Here are key dates for voters:
- October 29: Last day to apply for a vote-by-mail ballot
- Through November 2: Early voting is open across Chicago and suburban Cook County
- November 3: Election Day. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Chicago voters can vote early at any site in the city, including locations in all 50 wards. Sites are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Starting October 26, the downtown sites at 137 S. State St. and 69 W. Washington St. stay open until 7 p.m. on weekdays. Find a full list of sites on the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners website. Suburban Cook County voters can find early voting locations and hours on the Cook County Clerk's website. The Food Depository’s Get Out the Vote website offers additional information to help you plan when and how to vote.
Missed the online registration deadline? Illinois offers grace-period registration at designated early voting sites and on Election Day. Bring two forms of identification and make sure at least one shows your current address.
As Election Day approaches, check your registration, make a plan to vote and share these resources with others. Building a future where everyone has the food they need starts with making sure every neighbor has the opportunity to make their voice heard.
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