CHICAGO - The atmosphere was electric across the Windy City as voters flocked to the polls on the final day of early voting before the highly anticipated 2024 presidential election. With long lines winding around polling places, especially at the popular Loop Supersite at 191 North Clark, residents prepared to cast their ballots amid heightened excitement and anxiety.
First-time voters Valeria Alvarado Berrios and her sister Fabiola arrived at the Supersite more than 90 minutes before it opened. "It's very important to be heard and just say what we want at this time," Valeria stated, illustrating the palpable sense of urgency among voters. That urgency was not unfounded; within just half an hour of their arrival, the line had stretched around the corner.
Those arriving later could expect to wait as long as three hours to enter the building. Valeria remarked, "I've heard people are waiting up to three hours just to get inside." Their well-prepared trip included familiarizing themselves with each candidate's policies by filling out practice ballots. "We still did our civic duty by ensuring each candidate is qualified," Valeria added.
Reflecting on nationwide political tensions—especially with frontrunners Kamala Harris and Donald Trump at neck-and-neck positions—Fabiola expressed trepidation about the upcoming election's results. "I'm afraid whatever happens tomorrow—and whoever wins—might impact how I feel safe here." Her sentiments echoed the anxiety shared by many voters as Election Day approached.
The Chicago Board of Elections reported low early voting numbers compared to previous elections. Specifically, Chicago's Gen Z voters—those under 25—accounted for only 4% of early ballots cast as of last week. Such statistics are concerning to many, emphasizing the need for younger voters to engage more actively.
Interestingly, the hustle and bustle of early voting stood out this election season, with officials forecasting busier turnout than years past, primarily due to the contentious presidential race. Max Bever from the Chicago Board of Elections noted, "Monday is typically our busiest early voting day." That assessment proved accurate as voters converged on the polls. According to Bever, over 40,000 voters are expected to vote today alone—consistent with annual trends leading up to Election Day.
Those waiting at polling sites reported mixed experiences, with some lines appearing longer than others. One voting location near the lakefront, known for its accessibility to public transit, experienced significantly more foot traffic than others. For many, even significant waits couldn’t quell their determination to make their voices heard.
But long waits have their drawbacks. CBS News reported early voting figures for Chicago indicating more than 424,000 ballots have been cast, encompassing both early voters and mail-in ballots. Still, those numbers fell short of the nearly 725,000 early votes cast during the same timeframe of the 2020 election, amid pandemic-related mobilization efforts.
The Board of Elections highlighted their "Vote Anywhere" initiative, which empowers voters experiencing lengthy waits to go to different polling locations to cast their votes. This accommodates those deterred by the overwhelming lines at more congested areas, thereby maximizing electoral participation.
With Election Day scheduled for Tuesday, November 5, residents have until 7 PM to cast their final ballots. The voting excitement isn't limited to the city alone; suburban counties are witnessing high turnout, too. For example, Cook County voters can still cast their votes at early voting sites across the area, including circuit courthouses and various local offices.
On Tuesday, those heading to their designated precincts can expect wide variations depending on their districts. Chicagoans are urged to familiarize themselves with their polling locations, voting hours, and ballot specifics. The Board of Elections website provides the necessary information to help clarify any last-minute voting questions.
Chicago's diverse electorate, from first-time voters to seasoned political enthusiasts, reflects the city's commitment to civic engagement. The fervor and hustle at polling sites signal not only the importance of the upcoming Election Day but also the overall spirited engagement of the Chicago electorate.
While the excitement may be palpable now, fears and concerns still loom among Chicago voters. Many hope their preferred candidates will secure victory, affecting everything from local governance to national policies. Fabiola’s reflection on their future encapsulates the sentiment many share: "Whatever happens could really affect our sense of safety here." This highlights the pressing nature of the 2024 election, echoing throughout Chicago and beyond.
