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Question of the day

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Illinois

In what you might call a sign of the times with special meaning, a whopping 78,823 Chicagoans already have applied to vote by mail in the fall general election, even though they won’t get their ballots until late September, cast them in October and have them counted in November.

The explosion in remote voting is only expected to continue, driven by long-term trends and voters’ reluctance to mingle in crowds amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Lance Gough, executive director of the Chicago Board of Elections, more than 500,000 city residents will likely apply to vote by mail by early October. Anything close to that would swamp the 118,000 mail applications the board received for the March primary election. In the 2016 general election, about 93,000 city voters cast their ballots by mail.

Wow.

* The Question: Do you plan to vote by mail in the general election? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please…

free polls

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 1:56 pm

Comments

Yes. Besides the convenience factor, if local authorities can’t get cops to wear masks I can’t imagine that the poll workers will be either.

Comment by Candy Dogood Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:00 pm
Will vote during early voting for sure

Comment by OneMan Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:01 pm
I will vote in person. I voted in person in the primary, was pretty impressed with our tiny little towns approach to infection control, COVID precautions etc. I might feel differently if I was in an urban area with a high traffic, busy polling place.

Comment by DownSouth Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:01 pm
I normally vote early, but this year I’ve asked for an absentee ballot.

Comment by Cheryl44 Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:02 pm
Voted yes. Better safe than sorry.

Comment by pool boy Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:03 pm
Yes. Started doing it last year even though it has always been easy to vote where I live. It was so easy to register and it only costs $1.40 to mail. Quite the bargain. I’m one of those who is basically quarantined until there’s a vaccine, so it’s the only option for me right now.

Comment by Rachel Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:03 pm
I have already requested Vote By Mail in Kane county. I used VBM for the last 3 elections in Cook county, so more than happy to keep doing it after I moved.

Comment by Odysseus Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:04 pm
I said “yes.” I’ve long voted by mail for the sake of convenience, but COVID-19 provides an additional incentive to do so for obvious reasons. As shown by the state’s recent steps to expand vote by mail, as well as the successful recent elections in NY, it was extremely foolish and dangerous for Illinois to hold its primary as scheduled in March rather than postpone to a time when more votes could have been cast by mail.

Comment by Quibbler Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:04 pm
I don’t plan on it because the system might be swamped but would prefer to do so. It depends on what the COVID-19 situation looks like.

Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:07 pm
I work in a building which hosts early voting. Turnout is pretty sparse the first week and I can easily pick a slow time.

Comment by Chicago J Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:07 pm
I voted yes. If not for COVID-19, I would say no as I think its important to take the kids with me as I vote (and it won’t be the same impact at home). But not risking unnecessary exposure.

Comment by Simply Sayin' Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:07 pm
Nope. I’m too old to try anything new. Barring COVID complications, I plan to vote in-person, preferably on election day, as I’ve been doing my entire adult life.

There is something nice about the collective election day experience and vibe that I enjoy. Maybe it’s the poll watchers or the aggressive passers. Maybe it’s the opportunity to meet a precinct captain and to thank the election judges in person. Hard to describe, but I love election day and always have. Glad that it will be a state holiday. It should be a national holiday used to celebrate democracy, but since the Republican Party is so focused on limiting the right to vote for so many Americans, that’ll probably not happen anytime soon.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:08 pm
I voted no. While I do not plan to VBM I will continue to exercise my right to vote early at my county court house.

Comment by Gruntled University Employee Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:08 pm
Voted no. I try to avoid voting early. Mainly because politics and campaigns are so dynamic I don’t want to vote early, then some terrible story about the candidate I voted for breaks and I’m stuck having voted for that candidate.

Comment by fs Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:09 pm
No, I still like the process. Plus I tend to vote a week before the elections so I don’t really experience any line/cluster of people.

Comment by Seats Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:10 pm
Our polling place is always pretty quiet, and it’s close to home, so I’ll be going to the polls again.

1) Sanitize before I go in
2) Put on mask
3) Stay socially distant
4) Vote
5) Sanitize on the way out
6) Put some more adults in charge

Easy peasy just don’t sneezy

Comment by Lefty Lefty Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:11 pm
I honestly don’t know yet.

Like 47th Ward, I like the experience of going to the polls on Election Day, chatting with my neighbors, checking out who has their workers out. It’s a real feeling of participation in what, to me, is the most important thing we can do as citizens.

But if the pandemic isn’t under reasonable control, I might have to take a pass and vote by mail.

Besides, if none of us go to the polls, Rich, who will post here when you ask what we’re seeing in our precincts?

Comment by JoanP Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:13 pm
Voted no - I am similar to 47th Ward.

Comment by Interim Retiree Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:14 pm
“More than 500,000 city residents will likely apply to vote by mail”

Nice. That like a couple million votes.

Comment by Birds on the Bat Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:15 pm
It’s too early to say. That will be a decision made based on the situation in October. March was the first time I voted by mail. The experience was fine, but I like voting on election day at the polling place and would rather do that.

Comment by Jaguar Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:16 pm
I haven’t decided yet. I’d prefer to vote in person, but if I feel it isn’t safe (second wave), I won’t hesitate to vote by mail.

Comment by Sox Fan Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:16 pm
Nope. This state has a poor enough record on people voting that shouldn’t be allowed to. Vite by mail will just lead to more fraud.

Comment by Really Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:21 pm
I voted yes. If the president thinks it’s bad, That means it’s probably pretty darn good.

Comment by Bruce( no not him) Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:21 pm
Vote by mail

Comment by Really Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:21 pm
I voted no. I vote in person and on Election Day. I like going to the polls and seeing turnout. Although with that many requests for mail in ballots I guess I will not see A big turnout at the polls.

Comment by DuPage Saint Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:22 pm
Voted no only because my wife and I early vote at the County Clerk’s office. Otherwise we would. Haven’t voted day of an election since 2006.

Comment by Proud Sucker Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:24 pm
Yep, vote by mail. Have been doing this for the most part for decades when I’d be working on a campaign in another location.

Comment by LoyalVirus Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:24 pm
Have voted by mail for the last 5 years. Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. No need to vote much before deadline for mailing, just in case a last minute revaluation changes my thinking.

Comment by repete Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:25 pm
Yes. No telling what the COVID-19 situation will be.

Comment by Cromulent M. Biggens Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:26 pm
No. So few voters in the precinct that COVID is not a concern (at least not at this time).

Comment by Nilwood Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:26 pm
Voted no, for the same reason as Nilwood. In all the years I’ve voted at my current location, I’ve never seen more than 7 people in the village hall at one time (including election workers).

Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:30 pm
I will vote by mail, as I did in the primary. I think turnout will be higher in the upcoming election, so I’d rather stay safe.

Comment by Wensicia Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:34 pm
Yes. Voting by mail is safer, regardless of COVID-19. It’s also convenient and allows me to refer back easily to research on less high profile positions and candidates so that I can ensure I vote (or not vote) for the candidate that aligns with my position. It’s a no-brainer (a concept that seems to have dissolved lately).

Comment by A friend Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:37 pm
Early in-person voting - you can avoid election day crowds and it eliminates the points of failure with mail-in.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:38 pm
Yes. In addition to wanting to avoid voting in person because of COVID-19, I think it’s important to participate in vote-by-mail now so as to encourage lawmakers to make it more widely available post-pandemic.

Comment by Downstater-in-Chicago Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:42 pm
Yes.

I much prefer voting in person, but not this year.

Comment by thunderspirit Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:43 pm
Voted yes, but will likely vote early in person if poll worker’s health allows full staffing.
Expecting the largest turnout of my long life.

Comment by GregN Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:44 pm
No, but only because I have agreed to serve as an election judge, so I will go ahead and vote in person on Election Day. Many election judges have rightfully decided not to volunteer this year. While no one is immune, I am younger than the typical election judge and feel I have a duty to volunteer.

That reminds me… I am open to suggestions about how to stay as safe as possible as an election judge when that time comes!

Comment by IL4Life Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:45 pm
I’m still on the fence and a lot could change between now and then. I typically vote early to beat the crowds and avoid potential work conflicts that may arise around election day. I would certainly lean in that direction this year. The thing about Covid is that it continues to evolve. Things could look ok in early to mid Oct. and then take a nose dive just prior to election day.

Comment by Pundent Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:45 pm
I normally really like the ritual of voting in person. Previously I’ve only voted absentee once, when I was actually out of town. However this time, I’ll be voting by mail just to annoy Trump and his cohort. Requested the application online earlier this week.

Comment by Lt Guv Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:48 pm
I voted yes. My county fights social distancing, and the wearing of masks. When I voted in the primary in March, there was no hand sanitizer, masks, social distancing, nor any disinfecting wipes. I was hoping to volunteer this year as an election judge but no way-I cannot sit for that many hours nor can my doggos go that long without a potty break. I worry about the election judges being exposed and wonder how many won’t volunteer.

Comment by Cable Line Beer Gardener Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:49 pm
Oops, I missed the “by mail” in the question. I would vote by mail for safety reasons, but I now live in a red state that limits voting by mail. I’ll mask up and head to the poll during a non peak time.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:55 pm
Yes. I hate getting irritated and calling the county clerk because the election judges require ID to vote. They are wonderful people and I truly appreciate their willingness to volunteer for the duty. In all fairness, they’re older and didn’t start asking for IDs until they had to start pulling things up electronically instead of using paper. They’re looking for spelling rather than trying to limit ballot access, but I still feel an obligation to address the issue.

Comment by Earnest Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:56 pm
I am an election judge. Barring completely unforeseen circumstances I will vote in person at the polling where I work and am registered.

Comment by Responsa Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 3:04 pm
Yes. I -wish- there were some race I was conflicted about and would want to wait until all the campaigning is done, but the two parties are so far apart today that really I could early vote today and be 99% sure my vote wouldn’t change.

Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 3:06 pm
I’m going to vote by mail. I was unable to vote in the March primary because of COVID issues and the fact they moved by polling place to a different neighborhood. It didn’t bother me for the primary, but there is no way I will ever not vote in November.

Comment by City Guy Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 3:15 pm
I plan on voting in-person this November. Even though I can’t control everything, I have more confidence in me handing them my completed ballot than doing something sight unseen. In other words, I have little confidence in voting by mail, thinking others might not do their part correctly. Please let me share what happened when I tried to make a doctor’s appointment this morning: it took 20 minutes with me waiting on the phone, with the person going as slow as molasses. At one point, she asked, “Is 773-296-XXXX” your number and I said, “That’s your own office number!” She asked, “What type of insurance do you have?” I said, “I’m sure that it’s in there, but I have XXXX.” She then says, “Yes, it’s here.” Then she tells me “Dr. XXX has no appointments.” And I said, “That’s ridiculous!” Then after more holding, she offers me a time on September 28 (I didn’t object), then more pausing and no saying a word on her part, then she offers June 30th. (That’s quite a difference!) So I want to do as much as possible myself to ensure that my vote gets to the right place, etc.

Comment by Christopher Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 3:18 pm
I voted in person. My polling place is next to a brewery I really like. If brewery open, I’ll vote. If not, meh.

Comment by R A T Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 3:22 pm
Sure do but prefer to call it “Vote at Home”

Comment by Emerson L. Palmer Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 3:25 pm
Yes. The boards of elections have plenty of time to prepare this time, unlike they did in March. Not voting in person.

Comment by Shytown Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 3:31 pm
Will vote in my precinct. I am an election judge. I’ll be there with mask, gloves, and big container of Clorox wipes like last March.

Comment by Nearly Normal Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 3:35 pm
Completed the online process and received an acknowledgment that it has been processed. Be sure to complete the captcha feature or the registration won’t be valid.

Comment by Rudy’s teeth Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 3:36 pm
Voted yes. But if COVID rates are REALLY low, i would prefer to vote that day.

Comment by bogey golfer Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 3:40 pm
No. Don’t trust the usps enough. Will vote early (though I prefer same day to check out the pollwatchers).

Comment by Original Rambler Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 3:47 pm
Probably going to vote in person. Our church is the local polling site for 3 precincts but it is usually not that busy even though it has a high turnout rate.

Comment by RNUG Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 3:50 pm
Local voting takes about 15 minutes which includes drive time. Just prep like going to the grocery store.

Comment by zatoichi Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 3:55 pm
Voting in person is a pleasure I’m forced by circumstances to forego…I believe wisely… as in… When better to be safe rather than dead?

Comment by Dotnonymous Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 3:59 pm
“This state has a poor enough record on people voting that shouldn’t be allowed to [vote by mail].”

Citation needed.

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 4:06 pm
I voted no. For what reason. There are plenty of early voting sites which are not crowded. Why do people afraid to vote in person have no problem going to the grocery store? Just asking for problems/fraud with all of these ballots being mailed. Votes need to be controlled to ensure the integrity!

Comment by Voted Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 4:10 pm
Yes, for both health and convenience reasons. An indoor polling place doesn’t sound like a great place to be, and especially if there’s the dreaded “second wave” this fall.

Comment by The Doc Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 4:11 pm
Early voted in primary, first time I went it was full turned around and left. 2 days later it was empty, in and out in 5 minutes. I’ll do the same in late Oct. I like going to vote.

Comment by Frank talks Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 4:12 pm
No. I have 99.9% faith that the USPS would deliver it correctly but I’m not taking a chance.

Comment by Proud Papa Bear Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 4:14 pm
I’m voting at home as usual. I apply online and my County Clerk sends an e-mail when my ballot is on the way and when they get it back.
For those who want to take their kids to the polls for the experience, I suggest voting at home with the kids and explaining why you are voting for a candidate. Teach them how to make an informed decison when they get to vote.

Comment by jimbo26 Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 4:24 pm