From federal constitutional issues to funding for Lake County schoolchildren to foreign policy, a larger-than-usual number of Lake County voters cast ballots Thursday during the first three hours of early voting for the Nov. 3 midterm election.
Julia Keenan, an attorney who lives in Libertyville, said she was at the courthouse for professional business, saw the voting area open and decided it was a good time to cast her ballot. The Constitution was at the forefront of her voting decisions.
“I voted for candidates who are willing to uphold the separation of powers and share my values,” Keenan said.
Foreign policy and economic ideas were on the mind of Ken Suskin of Lindenhurst. He too had a reason to be at the courthouse and took advantage of voting early.
“Foreign policy toward Israel is very important. They are our strongest military ally,” Suskin said. “We also have to stop socialism.”
Suskin and Keenan were among the 55 people who cast ballots in the first three hours of early voting at the Lake County Courthouse & Administration Building in Waukegan, making their choices for federal, state and local offices, as well as referendums.
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Voters are making choices for governor and other state offices, their representative in the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate and the Illinois General Assembly, some county offices and a countywide referendum on whether to add 1% to the sales tax to benefit public schools.
Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega said there was a flurry of voters at 9 a.m. when the polling area opened. The stream of people remained steady in the morning. When the unofficial election season began after Labor Day, he hoped for a turnout of more than 50% before voting ends Nov. 3.
“We had a lot of people here,” Vega said. “There was a small line. Normally it is very, very, slow when we start on the first day of early voting. It makes me hopeful we will exceed 50% by the end of the (election) year.
As voters look at their ballots, in some contests they will see a spot to write a candidate’s name rather than voting for one of the contenders whose names are printed on the ballot. Vega said only the names of people whose write-in candidacy has been certified by his office can be added.
In the contest to complete the term of the late Mary Ross Cunningham for the 9th District of the Lake County Board, three names are on the ballot — Democrat Brandon Ewing, Republican Jorge Sanchez and write-in Dashawna O. Phifer.
Vega said Sanchez’s petitions were challenged; he lost the challenge, but the decision is currently on appeal in Lake County Court. Sanchez’s name will remain on the ballot, but his votes will only be counted if his appeal is successful.
Joe Salvi, Sanchez’s attorney, said the challenge is under advisement with County Judge Daniel Jasica. Salvi said a decision is expected by Oct. 1.
National issues were not the only ones on Keenan’s mind. She said schools and education are very important to her, which is why she voted for the sales tax referendum, which would add 1% to the purchase of most goods.
“Schools are a passion for me,” she said. “I voted for it because the children need it,”.
Vega said a large amount of the sales tax is paid by non-county residents.
“The voters will decide,” Vega said. “That’s how democracy works.”
Voters from any part of the county can cast their ballots at the courthouse, or any other early voting center when it expands next month. Vega said voters can go to any polling place on election day as well.
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Early voting continues from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the courthouse lobby through Oct. 16, when it expands to 17 other locations throughout the county. Some are open extended hours, including weekends. A complete list with times and locations is on the Lake County Clerk’s website.
Joseph States of the Pioneer Press contributed to this story.