Early voting expands in Chicago, Cook County ahead of Election Day
Early voting was expanded Monday morning in the Chicago area. Polling places in each of Chicago's wards and 52 suburban Cook County locations will be open every day.
Despite that, lines were reportedly long at many polling sites.
"Important thing is I got to vote and I got to vote today and that's what really counts," said Peter Cantwell, of Chicago.
Early voting for city and suburban Cook County residents actually began Sept. 29 at separate downtown locations.
"If you want to beat the lines, come on Sunday which historically are our least busiest days," said Marisel Hernandez, of the Chicago Election Board.
Combined, 3 million Chicago and Cook County residents have already registered and more may do so at the early voting sites.
Registered voters may apply to vote by mail. Applications must arrive at the Election Board by Nov. 3, and the mailed-in ballots postmarked on or before Nov. 8.
"We can't say for sure, but there's no question there's extraordinarily high interest in this election," said Cook County Clerk David Orr.
Early voters said Monday they were not worried something could happen between now and Election Day that could affect their decisions.
"I can't imagine something so monumental," said voter Betsy Martin.
"I guess that's the risk I'm taking by voting early," said voter Jim LaFalce.
Also, early voting is available now in every county throughout the region and state.
