The Chicago Tribune reports that Chicago voter registration is down by 225,000 people compared to 2008, with 1.2 million city residents on the voter rolls. Registration is particularly down among younger voters with 138,000 fewer 18 to 34 year-olds signed up compared to four years ago. The Chicago Board of Elections attributes the decline to a lack of excitement about this year's presidential campaign, which is in contrast to 2008 when more young people were engaged with Chicagoan Barack Obama's first run for president.

Cook County residents must register to vote via mail by October 9, though they may register in person as late as three days prior to the election.