Early voting for the upcoming primary election started Monday, with multiple village halls and other locations allowing voters to cast their ballots early.
Lake County saw 455,201 registered voters on the rolls in last spring’s election, according to the clerk’s office website. Of that number, only 50,844 — about 11% — cast ballots.
But Lake County Clerk Robin O’Connor said she anticipates much higher voter turnout for both the primary and the general election this year, which will result in busier polling sites.
“We’re really hoping people choose to vote early,” O’Connor said. “That way they can avoid long lines.”
She said whether voters cast their ballots through early voting, vote by mail or in person on Election Day March 17, it’s important they make their voices heard.
“Check your calendar, pick a time that best works with your schedule and go vote,” she said.
More Top Picks Best Air Compression Leg Massagers For Swelling Guide
Registration
Voters can see if they’re registered on the State Board of Elections website.
Online registration in Illinois closed March 1 and won’t reopen until March 19. But voters can still register in person during the early voting period at various polling locations in Lake counties, according to election officials.
Those registering at the time of early voting need to show two forms of ID and residential proof in order to register. A full list of acceptable forms of identification can be found on the county clerk’s website.
Polling locations
Lincolnshire does not have an early voting site, but voters in the village can participate at any Lake County location, including at William E. Peterson Park in Buffalo Grove.
Early voting at this site will be open Monday to Saturday to March 14. It will be closed on Sundays.
William E. Peterson Park will also not be open March 16. Only four Lake County locations will be open that day in Gurnee, Waukegan and North Chicago.
What’s on the ballot?
The primary elections determine which party nominees will be on the ballot come November.
In addition to the primary race among presidential candidates, voters will see choices for congressional representatives, state representative, several county positions — including state’s attorney, circuit clerk, coroner, recorder — and several judges.
The Lake County clerk’s office website shows a full candidate list for Democratic, Republican and Nonpartisan parties.
Election Day
Voting locations for Election Day will differ on March 17. Voters can find the voting site serving their address on the Lake County website.
“Your vote counts,” O’Connor said. “One of the things we’ve often said is ‘Your voice, your vote and your choice.'”
Twitter: @kaitlinedquist
More Top Picks Dji Phantom 3 Professional