Early voters in Chicago report line delays of over three hours

With just four days left until Election Day, voters in Chicago are already facing challenges at some early polling sites. At the Merlo branch of the Chicago Public Library on West Belmont Avenue in Lakeview, a long line stretched down the block and around the corner on Friday, leaving some voters waiting three hours or more to enter the building.

For voter Margaret Anderson, the turnout was encouraging. “It makes me feel a little hopeful because there’s a lot of people here coming out to vote and a lot of young people, which is always a good thing,” she said.

More Sites See Extended Wait Times

According to the Chicago Board of Elections, the Merlo branch wasn’t alone in seeing such extended wait times. Voters at Truman College also encountered long lines. Max Bever, a spokesperson for the board, urged voters to consider alternate sites if they’re able to.

“If it’s at all possible, research some alternate sites that you might be able to visit if it’s convenient for you, closer to your work or visiting a friend or family,” Bever advised, noting that certain sites tend to be more popular due to local population density.

High Turnout Continues, Yet Falls Short of 2020 Levels

The Board of Elections reported that nearly 353,000 ballots had been cast by Thursday. This included over 220,000 ballots from early voting sites and more than 132,000 mail-in ballots—a pace ahead of the 2016 election but falling short of 2020’s extraordinary numbers when 641,000 early votes were recorded.

“2020 is a very hard year to compare to because it was in the midst of the pandemic,” Bever explained, adding that emergency laws passed during that time made it easier for voters to cast ballots early or by mail. “Those are numbers that we’re not likely to see again.”

Voters Determined Despite Delays

Despite the wait times, voters seemed committed to making their voices heard. Chelsea Roberts, a resident of Lakeview, echoed the sentiment of many voters undeterred by the inconvenience. “I’m not bothered by the inconvenience,” Roberts said. “I still want to vote. It’s not going to stop me.”

Where to Vote Early in Chicago

Early voting sites across all 50 Chicago wards and a downtown supersite are open every day through Tuesday. Chicago residents can cast their ballots at any of these locations as the city heads into the final days of the election countdown.