The deadline to register to vote in the April 9 general election in Cook County is today.

Voters in the 2nd Congressional District will be choosing a new Congressman, with the candidates being Democrat Robin Kelly and Republican Paul McKinley. Disgraced former congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., who pled guilty last month to misusing some $750,000 in campaign funds, left the seat vacant.

Registration applications for Chicago residents can be found here. Residents of suburban Cook County can register to vote here.

Completed applications should be mailed or delivered to the Cook County Clerk's office, 69 W. Washington St., 5th Floor, Chicago, IL 60602. Applications must be delivered or postmarked by March 12, today's date.

Anyone choosing to register in person should bring two pieces of identification, including one showing a current address, to the Clerk’s office downtown, their municipal or township office, or one of the Clerk’s offices located at the five suburban Cook County courthouses.

There is a grace period for anyone who misses today’s registration deadline, from March 13 to April 6. During the grace period, applicants must register at specific locations: the Clerk's downtown office, five suburban courthouse offices, Chicago Heights Village Hall or Niles Village Hall.