Chicago sees low early voter turnout ahead of Illinois primary

CHICAGO - We are now less than one day away from the Illinois primary election.

Chicago voters, on Monday, made their way to the polls to cast their early ballots, but sites were not as busy as election officials would have liked to see.

Officials at the Board Supersite in the Loop said voter turnout is currently on par with the 2012 primary – when only 24 percent of Chicago’s registered voters turned out.

"Unfortunately, early voting has been a little bit sluggish," said Max Bever, Director of Public Information, Chicago Board of Elections.

A slow but steady stream of voters Monday meant no lines, but at the same time, signaled a disappointing turnout.

By the close of early voting, a total of 91,000 in-person ballots had been cast in Chicago ahead of Tuesday’s primary.

"For the 2020 election, we were already over 150,000 early votes. For the 2016 election, we were already over 130,000 early votes, so that’s a little troublesome to see," said Bever.

Election officials said several factors are contributing to those numbers, including that the Democratic and Republican nominees for president are already set here in Illinois.

"People are saying they are not excited about the top of the ticket," said Bettina Brown, voter.

Still, there are several races and the ‘Bring Chicago Home’ tax referendum that are grabbing the attention of those who did make time to cast their ballot.

"The judges are really important," said Brown.

"The vote on the transfer tax is a big one, I know that’s a very contentious issue," said Mark Longo, voter.

"Definitely the referendum," said Connor Sparks, voter. "That’s probably the biggest one in terms of something that is going to affect the entire city."

Additionally, one of the most hotly contested races is for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s seat. Both Democratic candidates for the office were stumping for last minute votes Monday. This, after Kim Foxx announced last April she wouldn’t be seeking re-election.

"It’s important to get out here. Do your civic duty, make your voice heard, otherwise you can’t complain, right, if you’re not part of the process," said Longo.

Of the city's 177,000 vote-by-mail ballots that were issued, roughly 66,000 had been returned, as of Monday.

Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Election Day – Tuesday, March 19 – to be counted.

They can also be dropped off at the Supersite, located at Clark and Lake streets, or at any of the city’s 50 Ward Early Voting Sites. 

Between vote-by-mail ballots and in-person early voting – a total of 157,858 ballots have been cast so far in Chicago for this primary. There are currently 1,697,498 registered voters in the city.

To find your nearest polling place, CLICK HERE.

Voting sites will open bright and early at 6 a.m. on Election Day.

If you aren't yet registered to vote, you can do so in person.

A photo ID is not required when casting a ballot but might be helpful if there is a question about voter registration.