Suburban Cook County early voter turnout sets new record

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Many Illinois voters are not waiting until Tuesday to head to the polls for the presidential primary.

Suburban Cook County voters has set a record for early voting totals in a presidential primary election.

The last record high for early primary votes was 52,000, which was in 2008 when Chicago native Barack Obama was on the ballot.

On Friday, suburban Cook County voters cast about 70,000 early votes ... and counting.

"We don't usually have both the democrat and republican parties in play by the time Illinois comes so that's a big factor," said David Orr, Cook County clerk. "And in addition to here in Cook County, races like for State's Attorney and race for Circuit Court Clerk. Often the candidate and who's really up does drive turnout."

Suburban Cook County has also set records for voting by mail and voter registration.

Saturday is the last day that all early voting sites will be open.

A limited number of sites will be open Sunday and Monday.