Highwood, IL- UPDATE – It seems the storm is having an impact on today’s voter turn out. ” We got off to an extremely slow start. Precincts reported 5 or fewer voters in the first few hours. We will have to see if there’s an evening rush, but its hard to envision an evening rush large enough to push turnout beyond the mid-30s. May not even reach that, ” said Jim Allen the Communications Director for the Chicago Board of Elections Commissioners.
– At Rep. Mark Kirk’s (R-IL) polling place just north of Chicago, the forecast for voter turnout is mixed.
“Yes, turnout will be lower because of this weather”, said Kirk after casting his ballot. Others were more optimistic, ” I think it will be fantastic!” said Jeremy Schwartz a Democratic candidate for Judge.
The people of Illinois are not used to this early of a primary because in past years the election had been in March. During the 2008 Presidential primary, Illinois was moved up to a “Super Tuesday” and shared the spotlight with 24 states. This year however Illinois stands alone with the earliest primary in the nation. The risk you run with a February primary is bad weather; of course anyone familiar with Chicago weather knows that March is no gimme either.
Will the light snow that has been falling all morning be enough to keep people away from choosing the candidates for Governor and U.S. Senate? Watch the reaction of candidates and voters here..