The number of registered voters in Chicago is at its lowest level since at least 1942, the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners said today.



As of Monday, about 1.28 million voters were registered in the city, board spokesman James Allen said. That's lower than in 1942, the first year such numbers are recorded in the agency's records.



Four years ago, about 1.31 million voters registered before the primary, which was held in February and featured President Barack Obama's quest for the Democratic nomination.



This year's low numbers prompted Election Board Chairman Langdon Neal to urge voters to register by Feb. 21, the registration deadline for this year's March 20 primary.



Chicago voters can register in person at the board offices, at a state driver's license office or by mail with a form that can be downloaded at the board's website, www.chicagoelections.com.

