Early voting ahead of the primary election continues through Monday, with thousands of ballots already cast in Cook County, including in Oak Park, Elmwood Park and Franklin Park.
On Tuesday, Illinois voters will have the opportunity to vote for Republican or Democrat for president, congressional leaders, state senators and representatives, judges and county offices.
For those ready to vote in the primary now – for whatever reason – Cook County has a number of early voting locations.
In the villages of Oak Park, Franklin Park and Elmwood Park, voters can cast ballots at the town’s respective Village Hall.
“Early voting is a crucial component of ensuring democratic participation, and for this election cycle, voters can expect a streamlined and accessible process at all 52 early voting locations throughout Cook County beginning March 4,” said Frank Herrera, director of communications for Cook County Clerk Karen A. Yarbrough.
Since Feb. 21, voters could cast ballots at limited early voting sites including the Cook County Clerk’s office at 69 W. Washington St., and five suburban courthouse locations including the Maywood Courthouse in west suburban Maywood. The expanded early voting at 52 locations in the city of Chicago and suburbs began March 4, with early voting also available at village halls, according to the clerk’s website.
Residents of Cook County can vote – and register to vote – at any of the 52 early voting locations. Mail-in ballots can also be dropped off in secure drop boxes at each of the early voting locations.
“Our focus is on providing ample opportunities for all eligible voters to cast their ballots conveniently and securely,” Herrera said. “Whether it’s through extended hours, multiple pre-election day polling locations, or robust mail-in voting options, we’re committed to empowering voters to have their voices heard.”
As of the end of day Monday, the Cook County clerk’s website indicated more than 26,000 early votes cast at sites throughout the county, but that number does not include any of the mail-in ballots received because they are not counted until Election Day.
The website tallied 664 ballots already at Oak Park Village Hall since early voting expanded through the end of the day Monday. The count was 264 at Village Hall in Elmwood Park and 200 in Franklin Park.
Herrera said the last presidential election garnered 435,413 early voters – or 36% of the total vote. Although the clerk’s office doesn’t make predictions, he said it’s safe to say that presidential election cycles historically result in the highest voter turnout compared to gubernatorial or local elections for such offices as mayor and school boards.
Longtime incumbent U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, D-Chicago, is facing a four-way primary challenge in the 7th Congressional District, which includes Oak Park.
Democrat Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, whose 4th District includes Franklin Park, is challenged for reelection by a Chicago alderman.
Additionally, Cook County voters will have the opportunity to choose delegates to the National Nominating Convention, commissioners for the Water Reclamation District, county clerk of the circuit court, state’s attorney, county commissioners, Illinois Supreme Court judge, Illinois appellate court judge, and circuit court and Subcircuit judges. A list of federal, state and Cook County candidates can be found online.
On Election Day, voters will have to go to the polls in their designated precinct – not to the early voting sites.
Voters can also check the clerk’s website to find precinct location for Election Day, apply for a mail ballot or to view a sample ballot.
“Early voting is one of the most popular ways to cast a ballot in suburban Cook County, Herrera said. “Early voting allows voters to make their voices heard without having to stand in line or take time off work to vote in the middle of the week on Election Day.”
Elizabeth Owens-Schiele is a freelancer.