Early voting begins in suburban Cook County elections
Early voting has begun in suburban Cook County. Voters can cast their ballots until the end of March for the municipal election on April 1. There are 53 early voting locations available throughout the area. Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon is encouraging residents to participate in this election. She stated that local elections often see lower voter turnout compared to presidential elections. In fact, while presidential elections usually attract 70% to 72% of voters, local elections like this one often receive only 15% to 20%. The upcoming election will include positions such as mayors, village presidents, school board members, and other local officials. Gordon emphasizes that these positions have a significant impact on how local tax dollars are spent and on essential services in communities. Gordon launched a campaign called “Your Town, Your Vote” to raise awareness about the importance of local elections. She stated that local decisions affect daily life, from education to public safety. Voters can register online or on Election Day. They are also allowed to vote at any early voting site, not just in their own town. Hours for early voting locations are generally from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, with extended hours on weekends.