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Election

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1. What are the voter registration requirements?

• Must be a U.S. Citizen


• Must be at least 18 years of age by election day


• Must have been a resident of the precinct at least 30 days prior to election day

2. When may I register to vote?

Registration is open year round except during the 27-day period just prior to an election and during the two days after such election (one day after in Chicago).

3. Where can I register to vote?

• DuPage County Clerk's Office


• DuPage County Elections Commission Office


• City and Village Offices


• Township Offices


• Precinct Committeemen


• Some schools


• Some public libraries


• Some labor groups


• Some civic groups


• Some corporations


• Military recruitment offices

When applying for services at the following:

• Driver's License Facilities


• Department of Public Aid Offices


• Department of Public Health Offices


• Department of Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities Offices


• Department of Rehabilitation Services Offices

4. What forms of identification are needed when I register to vote?

Two forms of identification with one showing your current residence address. If you register by mail, you must vote in person the first time you vote.

5. Do I ever have to re-register?

The only time you have to re-register is if you move to a different address or if you change your name.

6. Will I automatically be registered to vote when I renew my driver's license?

No, but you will be given the opportunity to register to vote. If you are already registered to vote, there is no need to register again unless you change your name or move.

7. Can I register to vote by mailing an application to my election office?

Yes. Under federal law, citizens may apply to register to vote by mailing in an application. The applications are available at some public and private facilities where you live. When you register by mail your mail-in form must be postmarked prior to the close of registration. Contact your local election office to learn more about registering by mail.

8. If I mail in an application to vote, can I vote by absentee ballot?

Unless disabled or in the military, people who register by mail must vote in person at the polling place or by in-person absentee voting the first time they vote.

9. When can I consider myself officially registered to vote?

As soon as you receive a voter ID card in the mail, you can consider yourself registered.

If you do not receive an ID card within three weeks after you registered, call the DuPage County Board of Elections Office at (630) 407-5600.

10. What if I change my name after being registered?

If you changed your name more than 27 days before the election and did not re-register, you cannot vote.

A person who changed his or her name within 27 days of the election, and still lives in the same precinct, may vote after completing an affidavit. A woman who continues to use her maiden name after marriage may vote without having to complete an affidavit if registered under her maiden name.

11. What if I move, can I still vote?

It depends on when you move. If you moved within 27 days of the election in the same precinct you can vote a full ballot by signing an affidavit. If you moved more than 30 days before the election within the county or municipality under a board of election commissioners, and did not transfer your registration, you can vote on a ballot for federal offices only, after completing an address correction form. If you moved within 30 days before the election outside of your precinct, but you still live in the State, and did not transfer your registration, you can vote a full ballot in your old polling place after completing an affidavit. If you moved more than 30 days before the election out of your county or municipality under the board of election commissioners and did not transfer your registration, you cannot vote. Additional information on elections can be found at:

• Illinois State Board of Elections
• DuPage County Elections Commission

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Police

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1. What should I do if I see a crime occurring?

Call 9-1-1 immediately.

Be observant and make mental notes, including asking yourself:

• Are there any weapons involved?


• What is the address?


• Are there any physical characteristics such as height, weight, race, beard, or scars?


• Can you give any clothing description?


• How many people are involved?


• Are the persons involved on foot or in a vehicle?

2. Do I have to give my name when I call 9-1-1?

If you wish to remain anonymous or keep information confidential, just tell the operator.

3. Why did it take so long for the Police to come when I called?

All calls for Police Officers are handled on a priority basis. Calls requiring a Police Officer to make a report on a previous crime will have less procedure than crimes in progress where life and property are in serious danger. Due to high call loads during certain times of the week and day, you might be slightly inconvenienced until a Police Officer becomes available to take your call.

4. Why do I get 9-1-1 when calling the Police Department after 4:30 pm?

Normal business hours are from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. After that time, all calls are forwarded to 9-1-1. Any police-related services are still available, so do not be deterred from calling 9-1-1 for non-emergency situations after 4:30 pm.

5. What is the curfew law and times?

The Winfield Village Code establishes curfew for minors (any person younger than 17 years old) from 12:01 am to 6:00 am on Friday and Saturday, and from 11:00 pm to 6:00 am on Sunday through Thursday night. Certain exceptions apply, such as an emergency.

6. What are the parking regulations in the Village?

The two most common parking questions deal with snowfall and overnight parking. There is no parking on the street after two inches of snowfall. Overnight parking, between 2:00 am and 6:00 am, is not permitted without prior approval. Permission can be granted if you contact either the Police Department at (630) 933-7160 during normal business hours or 9-1-1 after business hours. You may also register online. No permission will be granted for calls made after 2:00 am.

Register Online

7. How can I get a copy of a police report?

Requests can be made at the front desk of the Police Department, by mail (company requests should be on letterhead) or by email to ababic@villageofwinfield.com. There is a $5 charge for traffic crash reports. No reports involving juveniles will be disseminated.

8. What are the qualifications for the position of Police Officer?

Applicants must pass a written exam, physical agility test, medical exam, psychological exam, polygraph test, background investigation, and character investigation. On the day you are hired, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license without restrictions, and not have been convicted of a felony.

9. How long do I have to wait before I report someone missing?

There are several ways you can report someone missing, depending upon the circumstances. For example, if you become separated from a child in a crowd, you can notify a police officer or call 9-1-1. In non-emergency situations, you can call 9-1-1 or come to the Police Department at: 27W465 Jewell Road Winfield, IL 60190. It is always helpful if you can provide a recent picture of the missing person and a description of what the individual was wearing when last seen.

10. How can I get my fingerprints taken?

The Winfield Police Department provides fingerprinting services for a variety of reasons, including teaching credentials, adoptions, employment, sales, and real estate. We do not provide fingerprint services for immigration purposes.

Fingerprinting is done on Wednesdays on a walk-in basis. Fees are as follows:

• Residents (one card) - $15


• Non-Residents (one card) - $25


• Additional Cards - $5 each

11. How do I pay parking tickets and other ordinance fines?

There are several options to pay parking tickets and other ordinance tickets including by mail, in person and online. Please see details below. Note: No coins will be accepted as payment for fines.

Payment Options

12. How do I check on an ongoing case?

Call the officer assigned to your case. If you are unable to reach that person, ask to speak to a sergeant.

13. I want to solicit in town, do I need a permit?

Yes, solicitors must register with the Village and undergo a background check before they are granted a solicitor's permit. That permit must be displayed on the outermost garment in a highly visible location. Anyone violating these regulations is subject to a fine.

Solicitation Registration

14. Does the Police Department offer any tips for home safety?

The Police Department offers a free, confidential security survey to all residents in Winfield. This survey analyzes the present security level of the premise and makes recommendations on how to increase the level of security. If you are interested in setting up an appointment for a security survey, please call (630) 933-7160.

15. Does the Police Department offer any security tips for small businesses?

The Police Department offers a free, confidential security survey to all businesses in Winfield. This survey analyzes the present security level of the premise and makes recommendations on how to increase the level of security. If you are interested in setting up an appointment for a security survey, please call (630) 933-7160.

16. I'm going on vacation, will the Winfield Police check on my house?

Yes, the Winfield Police Department will check on your house while you are away. Fill out a Vacation House Watch Form to apply.

Vacation House Watch

17. I recently purchased new child seats for my car. Does the Police Department provide assistance in helping me install them properly?

No, the Winfield Police Department does not have any certified car seat technicians. All such requests will be forwarded to the Winfield Fire Protection District. To make an appointment with the WFPD, please call (630) 653-5050.

18. What if an organization claiming to be the police calls asking for a donation?

The Winfield Police Department NEVER solicits money over the phone. If you get a call claiming to raise money for the Winfield Police Department, report the call to the Winfield Police Department at (630) 933-7160. All calls will be kept confidential.

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Public Works

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1. Will the Village be providing a removal of tree limbs and branches damaged during a severe storm?

If the Village determines a storm is severe enough to warrant it, the Public Works Department will provide this service. Branches and limbs should be brought to the parkway in front of your residence with the base of the limb placed toward the curb.

2. Where is the Public Works Department located?

The Public Works Department is located off of Wynwood Road, near its intersection with Purity Drive, at the end of a long driveway.

3. What is Winfield's Snow Plowing Policy?

When conditions become hazardous, snow removal operations will begin. Snow plowing operations are carefully designed to allow for optimum use of available plowing equipment and personnel. These pre-determined routes begin with all Village owned major through streets, followed by commuter parking lots, and finally, side streets, dead ends, and cul-de-sacs. Depending upon when the snowfall begins, the commuter lots will be plowed at least once by 6:00 am. Using the priority system ensures that heavy access roads will be less accident prone for the traffic these roads generate.

Snow Removal Policy

4. What is Winfield's Salting Policy?

The Village of Winfield salts all Village owned streets as needed. A priority is placed on salting hills and intersections.

Since road salt and calcium chloride are caustic and in high concentrations can pollute, the Public Works Department attempts to be judicious with its use to protect local ecology. This means that drivers cannot count on totally clear pavement, and should exercise caution.

5. What are Winfield's parking regulations when it snows?

The Winfield Parking Ordinance states that vehicles parked on the right of way of any public street in the Village at any time within 12 hours after a snowfall of two inches or more, prior to snow removal will be ticketed and the violator will be fined.

6. Why does my driveway get plowed-in when a snow plow passes by my house?

The Village uses side delivery snow plows on its snow removal equipment. Side delivery snow plows are the fastest and most efficient means available to remove snowfall from the streets. As a result of the plow's design, snow is discharged to the edge of the street.

There is simply no way to prevent the deposit of snow at the entrances of driveways. It is an unavoidable by-product of the effort to maintain clear and safe streets for everyone in the shortest amount of time possible. If you can, wait until the street is plowed before clearing your driveway.

For the safety of others, please do not shovel snow off your driveway or sidewalk onto the street. The snow will harden and become compacted, creating a safety hazard.

7. Where does the Village get its water from?

The Village distributes Lake Michigan water that comes through the DuPage Water Commission.

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Water Meter

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1. How often will I receive a water bill?

There will be a monthly billing period.

2. Where is my water meter?

Your water meter may be located in the basement, in the utility room, in the crawl space, or usually along the front wall of your house.

3. How does the new meter reading system work?

The Village of Winfield uses an automated meter reading system. Meter readings are transmitted automatically by radio signals from your water meter to collector sites throughout town. This information is then transferred to Village computers with cellular phone technology.

4. How do you know that my reading is accurate?

These state of the art water meters have electronic registers, which verifies the meter reading three times before it is sent to the transmitting unit. This reading is deemed more accurate than visually reading the meter.

5. How do I know that you have my reading and not someone else’s?

Each radio frequency device has a unique identification number, which is transmitted along with the meter reading. The unique identification number is compared to your account record to ensure that there is a match.

6. How long will meter installation take?

Under normal circumstances, the installation will take 15 to 30 minutes. The water will have to be turned off for about 5 to 10 minutes until the meter is changed. Please be advised that there may be some trapped air or slight discoloration in the water line. This will clear up after running your water for a few moments. You may hear some noise as the air exits spigots and fixtures. This is normal.

7. What if we have a leak after a meter is installed?

You may call the Water Department at (630) 933-7100 during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00AM-3:30PM) or after business hours at DuComm non-emergency at (630) 668-0911. The Water Department will make every effort to dispatch service personnel as quickly as possible to determine the cause of the leak and to take appropriate action.

8. How do I know if higher usage may be a result of a leak in my plumbing system?

Your water meter may detect small leaks. Check faucets for small drips. To check your toilet tank for small leaks in the toilet bowl, place a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank. If the water in the bowl changes to the color of dye used in the tank, you have a leak. Seek assistance from your local home improvement center or plumbing professional to repair.

9. Is there a hazard from the radio transmitter in my home?

No, the radio signal is only on when the meter reading takes place. This is less than a few seconds per month. The power level is far below that where any risk occurs.

10. Is there anything hazardous inside the equipment?

No, only ordinary electronics and batteries are inside the equipment.

11. Will the radio interfere with my television, cordless phone or pacemaker?

No, the radio transmissions occur on a licensed frequency very different from those used by television signals, cordless phones and pacemakers. In addition, the transmissions last less than a few seconds each month. You will never see interference with your television reception.

12. Is this system monitoring my phone calls?

No, this equipment does not monitor phone calls.

13. Is this system monitoring how many people are in my house?

No, this equipment does not monitor how many people are in the house.

14. What happens if the wires are cut?

If the wires between the water meter and the reading unit are cut, the reading unit will signal that a wire cut has occurred. The Department of Public Works will respond to correct the problem. If the service person determines that a deliberate cut occurred, the owner of the property will be billed for the costs to repair.