THE LOOP — Chicago is off to a record start in Illinois primary voting, according to the Board of Election Commissioners.
On the first day of early voting in the primary Monday, 11,037 votes were cast citywide, "the best early voting start yet for a presidential primary," board spokesman Jim Allen said. He called it "a number more in line with a first day before a November election."
More than 1,000 votes were cast Monday in the 13th Ward alone, perhaps because that's where House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago), the ward committeeman, is facing a challenge from Jason Gonzales in a primary race with statewide ramifications, as Madigan is locked in a budget impasse with Gov. Bruce Rauner.
The nearby 15th Ward had the smallest first-day turnout in the city, with just 51 votes cast, but the 14th, 16th, 22nd, 30th, 31st and 35th wards also failed to make triple digits.
There are early voting polling places in each ward, as well as one at board headquarters in the Dunne Building, 69 W. Washington Blvd. Those interested in early voting can find their ward polling place at chicagoelections.com.
Board Chairwoman Marisel Hernandez said Monday she was hopeful city turnout would eventually top 50 percent in the primary, set for March 15.
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