Decision 2024: Big Numbers Turning Out Around Chicago for Final Days of Early Voting
A Busy Day Expected at Early Voting Sites
Another busy day is expected Sunday at early voting sites, where extremely long lines have been common in the final days before the election.
Harris and Trump Focus on Sunbelt States during Final Weekend Push for Votes
During a presidential election year, voter turnout in the city is typically more than 70%. This year, Chicagoans are also electing CPS School Board members. As of Saturday night, the Chicago Board of Elections reported 272,194 early-vote ballots and 151,883 mail-in ballots, for a total of 424,077 early votes.
Total Early Votes Surpass 2016 Numbers
A better comparison would be the 2016 presidential election, and early voting in Chicago this year has surpassed 2016 thus far.
Some Chicago Early Voters Face Wait Times Exceeding Three Hours
Some early voters told WGN that they’re encouraged by the long early voting lines, despite the waiting time, because it means people are paying attention. This election is too important to sit on the sidelines, they say.
Importance of Voting
“We tried to get here early,” Jennifer Heffernan, an early voter, said. “We were surprised to see the line so long when we first got here. But it’s moving, and it’s worth it.”
Said another early voter, Stephen Lee: “It’s good. It lets me know that people are paying attention to what’s going on in the world. For a long time — I’m young — people would assume that nobody pays attention. But this kind of proves the opposite.”
Another early voter, Taki Chronopoulos, called the voting process “such a fundamental part of our democracy.”
“I’ve learned so much about the election and the candidates and all types of things of the responsibilities of being an informed voter,” he said.
Last Chance to Vote Early
Early voting will be open around Chicago until 4 p.m. Sunday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday. Any voter in the city can vote at an early voting site, no matter where they live.
Get Ready to Vote
Click [HERE](https://www.chicagobeej.org/) on the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners website for early voting locations in all 50 wards, or for more information. Visit [elections.il.gov](http://elections.il.gov) for more information on early voting, including locations throughout Illinois.
Conclusion
The 2024 election is shaping up to be a historic event in Chicago, with big numbers turning out to vote early. Despite the long lines, many voters are encouraged by the high level of engagement and enthusiasm. With only a few days left to vote, it’s crucial for all eligible citizens to exercise their right and make their voices heard.
FAQs
- When is early voting open?
- Sunday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Monday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Where can I vote early?
- Any early voting site in the city, no matter where you live
- How do I find early voting locations in my ward?
- What is the total number of early votes in Chicago so far?
- 424,077 (as of Saturday night)
