Election 2024: Early voting begins in some Chicago suburbs

WILL COUNTY (WLS) -- Early voting for the November election got underway in some suburbs Thursday.

Sites opened in DuPage, Kane, Will, and McHenry counties, along with Lake County, Illinois.

Early voting sites in suburban Cook County don't open until October 9. On October 21, sites open across the City of Chicago.

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-DuPage County begins early voting Thursday at five temporary voting locations including the county fairgrounds in Wheaton. It expands on October 21 to more sites.

Lake County (Illinois) begins early voting Thursday only at the clerk's office. It opens county-wide at designated locations on October 21.

McHenry County begins early voting Thursday at the new McHenry County Election Center in Woodstock. It will expand on October 21.

Will County early voting begins Thursday at the clerk's office. Other locations will open up beginning October 21.

Kane County early voting begins Thursday at the Elections Main Office and the Aurora satellite. It expands on October 21.

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Dan and Pim Birmingham both told ABC7 it's their civic duty that had them casting their ballots early Thursday in Will County.

"We will be out of the country come the regular election, so we got here early to do our duty and vote," Dan said.

The southwest suburban residents are among those who voted as their county's first early voting site opened.

It was Pim's first time voting since immigrating from her native Thailand and becoming a citizen.

"I'm really proud be a citizen to vote for president in the United States for the first time," Pim said.

Voters will make their choices in the presidential race, for some state lawmakers and county-wide offices, along with some local races and other elected positions.

Some voters said issues like the economy, abortion and taxes are top of mind for them.

"One of the issues is women's reproductive rights," early voter Kenda Allen said. "I think it's important that we are able to make our own choices and not a man or the government make our choices for us."

"Every election is serious, considering some of the challenges we had the last national election, and I wanted to make sure that I get out here and vote for things that are important to me," early voter Wayne Pleasant said.

In Will County, registered voters are allowed to cast their ballots once they give their name and have their signature matched. They still may have to present a valid identification.

People who are not registered can register with two forms of ID, but must vote at the time.

Will County officials said they are already seeing a significant voter turnout.

"If today's any indication, again, it's been orderly, but been busy and we think that we're going to have a very good turnout," Will County Clerk Charles Pelkie said. "We could have in the area of 75% turnout by the time it's all said and done."

Like in years past, the county puts about 2,000 election judges into the field on Election Day. While election officials said they haven't had any shortage, more judges are being trained anyway.

There's also security to make sure poll workers stay safe.

'Everybody's friendly here," Will County election judge Susan Garrison said. "I haven't had anybody threaten me or anything."

Election day is November 5.