Record Set For First Day Of Early Voting In Chicago Yesterday
By Lisa White in News on Mar 24, 2015 9:45PM
Yesterday marked the first day of early voting and despite a lackluster turnout overall during the February elections, we're off to a good start with a new record set for ballots cast during the first day. The snow couldn't keep thousands of voters from turning out, with a total of 7,915 ballots cast as of yesterday at 5: 15 p.m. according to an unofficial total from the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, RedEye Chicago reports.
The previous record was set on the first day of early voting in the city election of 2011, with 6,133 ballots. Even more promising, yesterday's numbers top the 5,522 ballots cast on the first day of early voting last month in the Feb. 24 election, so we're seeing an uptick in turnout already compared to last month. Spokesperson Jim Allen told RedEye Chicago, "We're very pleased. It's a good indicator of how early voting is going to go for rest of the way." Although Allen was quick to point out that a good start doesn't necessarily mean we'll have a higher overall voter turnout for the runoff election. That obviously won't be known until after the polls close. According to Allen, typically during early voting the best turnout is the last day.
Early voting continues through April 4 at 51 locations. To find the locations nearest you, or to visit any other location and learn more about early voting, visit the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners website.