Marion County Clerk Steve Fox is projecting a 52-percent voter turnout on Tuesday.
Fox says that is a percent higher than the last non-Presidential general election in 2018.
“We started out slow this year. I was thinking it wasn’t going to be a very good turnout. The last 4 or 5 days we have really had good turnout for early voting and we are inline for what we did in 2018. Vote by mail is a little stronger this year. The state started a new program that allows people to be on the vote by mail list permanently. So quite few of those applications were returned. About 840 vote by mail voters and about 200 above where we were in 2018.”
Through Saturday, 1,155 had cast early ballots. You can vote early again on Monday at the clerk’s office from eight to four.
Fox says if you aren’t registered or have an incorrect address, you can still vote on Tuesday.
“We sure can help you out even if you haven’t got your registration updated. We run two facilities to help with that. One here at the courthouse in Salem. And the other facility is at the Centralia Township Offices in downtown Centralia.”
Both the courthouse and Centralia Township Office will be open during regular voting hours from six am to seven pm on Tuesday. You need to have a drivers license or ID card and a bill with your name and address in order to vote and get registered on election day.
Fox says interest appears to be driven by the statewide races. All countywide offices are unopposed in Marion County, but there are contested races in county board districts 1, 3, and 5.
In District one, Republicans Brock Waggoner, Sharon Woodward, and Tracy Murray are being challenged by Democrat Jon Meador. In District 3, Republicans Steve Whritenour, Bill Henson and Tyson McHenry are being challenged by Carrie Perkins Schnicker. In District 5, Republicans Debbie Smith, Adam Smith, and David Iossi are being challenged by Elodie Welta.
There is also an appellate court seat race between Republican Michael McHaney and Democrat Brian Roberts.
Four circuit court judges are up for retention. They are Douglas Jarnigan, Mike McHaney, Mark Stedelin, and Brad Paisley.
All state residents are being asked to vote on an amendment to the Illinois Constitution that would give the right to everyone to organize and collectively bargain on wages, hours and working conditions. It would also prohibit any new law that interferes or negates the rights.
In Jefferson County there are contested countywide elections for both sheriff and county clerk and recorder. Republican Incumbent Sheriff Jeff Bullard is being challenged by Independent Rodney King (Independent) for Sheriff and Democrat Incumbent Connie Simmons is being challenged by Joseph Davis for the clerk position. Incumbent Republican Jessica Barker is being challenged by Democrat Iris Virden.
