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* The spokesman for the Chicago Board of Elections said today that data he has seen show that the city’s turnout will not match Chicago’s 2010 number of 53 percent. However, he cautioned that this was preliminary data which could be too low because of some issues feeding some ballot machines.
Greg Hinz has more…
But, in calling around a bit, it looks like much of the record early voter turnout in Chicago and Cook County may have reduced the number of people who show up at the polls today, rather than representing a net increase in total voting.
Ergo, Cook County Clerk David Orr tells me that his best “guess” — and he used that word — is that turnout will be in the 51 percent to 52 percent range, or “about average.” Meanwhile, figures at the Chicago Board of Elections so far raise doubts whether the city will exceed its 2010 total of 706,000 votes cast. And downstate, where the Rauner campaign never fully caught on, turnout has been whacked some by heavy rain showers much of the day.
That means Mr. Rauner really, really will need to run up figures in Chicago’s five suburban collar counties: Lake, DuPage, Will, McHenry and Kane. And Mr. Quinn really will need to keep Mr. Rauner below the 20 percent figure in the city that a lot of observers have been emphasizing.
As usual, there are some problems, with a handful of precincts in the city and Cook County to be kept open late. The worst seems to be in the city, where someone called some election judges, apparently all of them Republicans, and gave them bad instructions. That in turn led to a high number of judicial no-shows this time, though at least one precinct, in the 49th Ward, didn’t open because the doors were locked. Fire department officials pried the doors open.
* Keep those reports from your own precincts and polling places coming, folks!
…Adding… A Lake County judge has ordered county same-day registration/voting must stay open until 9 o’clock tonight. Click here to read the order.
…Adding More… The I-Team has more on those mysterious robocalls which have caused so many Chicago election judges to not show up for work today…
“This one is a new dirty trick,” Allen said of the calls.
The ABC7 I-Team learned Tuesday that some Chicago election judges were told in the false calls to report to a Cook County Republican Office on the Southwest Side for additional “training.” When the I-Team arrived there, a man who said he is the landlord told him the GOP staff had just packed up and left. However, a Republican operative who worked there said he made personal calls to judges, too.
“Asked them, have they had their training yet? I mean, you know, the training for the judge. And then ask them had they voted early and if not tell them that they have until Saturday, this past Saturday, to vote early,” the man said.
Robocalls also directed election judges to an address on 79 th Street near another GOP office, where the deputy chairman of the Cook County Republican Party said they had a training session on Sunday.
“Both parties have meetings with their election judges to work the polls, work the precincts,” Darnell Macklin, vice chairman of the Cook County Republican Party, said.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 3:21 pm
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Rain has not kept the R voters home in the Springfield area. In precincts that are typically heavy republican, several people I talked with said it has been very busy.
Comment by anon Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 3:25 pm
If it is 53% in Chicago…How does Quinn win?
Comment by Walter Mitty Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 3:27 pm
Major university in the heart of suburban Virginia showing not much activity. Your roving DC reporter is failing you today. However reports are trickling on of gray and pink elephants with Rauner signs in Decatur. Not a joke there just no pictures due to the rain.
Comment by GV Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 3:27 pm
3:14pm 49 degrees Lockport 014 Voter #477 Weirdest ballot ever cast…… I was waiting for the lightening to strike.
Comment by Dear Abby Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 3:31 pm
I think downstate turnout has been good. This does not work well for Quinn.
Comment by Peoria Guy Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 3:31 pm
Quinnsters better get those Chicago turnout numbers up!!!!
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 3:32 pm
However reports are trickling on of gray and pink elephants with Rauner signs in Decatur
True- they were standing in the rain at the corner of 51N and Pershing road (busiest crossroad in town?). Would have took a photo but my light turned green too quick for it to happen.
Boy Bruce sure loves to dress folks up as something they are not. Hum…
Comment by Roadiepig Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 3:33 pm
Someone needs to tell Greg Hinz, that most of us downstate drive to the polls, so rain showers are not a big deal. I am hearing better than average turnout in most Sangamon County precincts.
Comment by Jaded Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 3:38 pm
I just got back from the polls for my North Sangamon county precinct. The judges said it was a very good turnout, especially for a mid-term election. Some of it may be due to the sheriff’s race, but I expect most of the turnout is due to the governor’s race. I’m in a heavily Republican precinct, but it also has a lot of state employees and retirees. Brady got 76% in the last election and Quinn got 20%. I expect Rauner will get much less than Brady, but Grimm, not Quinn will likely get most of the changes. I just don’t see voters in this precinct going towards Quinn.
Comment by Pelonski Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 3:39 pm
Is the downstate turnout union n state employees or Repubs?
Comment by Secretariat Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 3:40 pm
Hey Will Burns:
Why don’t you get back to the Cottage Grove building and help with this 4 hour wait to vote?
That might be more helpful.
Comment by Joan Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 3:44 pm
Question: If some polls stay open two extra hours because of starting problems, does that mean news shows will be delayed in reporting all results?
Comment by walker Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 3:50 pm
I just got another strange email from Diana rauner stating, ‘put everything you can afford into chater school stock and avoid downtown Chicago until future notice.’ What is she talking about?
Comment by William j Kelly Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 3:52 pm
Walker, Only if its statistically significant, right? Small races would be harder to call than national.
Precinct report here: Ballot # below 200 in small town precinct in NW IL county of 15000-ish people. Have no idea what the fraction of total was. No lines, as usual.
Paper and felt tip markers, thank God. I feel for those of you that have to deal with those stupid computers.
Comment by Carroll County Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 3:56 pm
How is this good news for Quinn? I thought it would benefit Quinn to have 53% or higher turnout in Chicago?
And isn’t Rauner the strongest in the collar counties? In a very tight race, it seems turnout is favoring Rauner.
Comment by Rhino Slider Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 3:56 pm
That was at 3:00 pm, less than 200 through the polling place for that precinct…
Comment by Carroll County Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 3:57 pm
Voted this morning in Gurnee in Lake County (Jesiel vs. Karner; Schneider vs. Dold; etc.) at 7:00 a.m. there had already been over 200 voters through in the four precincts that vote in that location.
Comment by kdruben Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 3:59 pm
Wife just voted (Will, Lockport 12). Election judges remembered our son from my morning trip. Gave him a donut. Now he is excited to vote! (in 15 years).
Comment by Concerned Observer Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 4:01 pm
She was #666 btw. She did not write in B. L. Zeebub.
Comment by Concerned Observer Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 4:02 pm
Turnout seems to favor Rauner.
Comment by Peoria Guy Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 4:04 pm
Rhino, it wouldn’t be good news for Quinn.
Comment by anon Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 4:05 pm
How is it possible that there are elephants wearing Rauner signs in Decatur, with NO PICTURES?
This cannot be.
Comment by Soccermom Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 4:08 pm
Ok, my precinct in Kendall is running out of gas. Need strong dragging out of voters to get better pluralities.
What’s still out there, now it’s a quality voter, as much as a quantity voter. What is left, quality-wise is the scary part, in the micro.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 4:09 pm
Just voted. 43 percent turnout in my GOP precinct at 4pm. Includes early votes.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 4:16 pm
===How is this good news for Quinn?===
Maybe I missed it, but who said it was?
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 4:22 pm
Sounds like it’s an off the cuff guess on the 51% guess. I would take out with a grain of salt with early voting and all the election judge problems. When you’re venturing into single percentages on guesses, you can get yourself into trouble. With that being said, it could also be lower than what he guessed and be 48 percent or lower for all that we know.
Comment by Politidork Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 4:28 pm
Earlier, the McLean County clerk said turnout was surpassing 2010 on her FB, now OW says precincts are running out of gas so this still might not be the case but it is an FYI.
Comment by modest proposal Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 4:32 pm
Diana rauner is flooding my inbox, now she states, ‘transfer all currency to raunercoin now!’ What does that mean?
Comment by William j Kelly Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 4:34 pm
Back from the 46th in Chicago. Two big turnout precincts from 2012 (85+%) running low to moderate at 4:30. One at 25% and one at 38%. Of course dont know what EV is. Interesting: After work crowd waiting in line at one pct while the other pct is sparse.
Comment by Concerned Illinois Citizen Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 4:35 pm
Walked in to vote at Brentano Math and Science (32nd ward/43rd precinct) in the city around 3:45p. No line and no wait to vote even though school had just gotten out for the day and the parking lot was lousy with suffrage-having grown-ups.
To my surprise, 3 of the 4 judges were in their early twenties. Neat to see younger people involved and doing the job well.
One electronic voting machine was present along with four or five traditional booths. I voted using two fill-in-the-arrow Scantron forms. My submission ticked the scanner’s readout up to 264, making me the 132nd participant in the great American experiment for the day.
Comment by Logan Voter Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 4:36 pm
Drove past my polling place just outside Springfield on my way to run an errand around 4. The parking lot was about 80% full, certainly more than usual, especially for a midterm. In my precinct, Rauner came in 3rd in the primary, so I am guessing that, even though this area is heavily Republican, that there are a lot of state employees who cast ballots here. What that means for this election, I guess we will find out.
Comment by AC Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 4:36 pm
- modest proposal -,
I only come for this from my precinct, in the micro, but also as a small piece of a huge statewide puzzle.
Kendall needs to be fertile ground for Rauner. However, dragging out voters with dicey rationale at 4:30 pm in a close election, especially at the “street” level of GOTV is a scary proposition.
The closer this race is, and appears to be, dragging out voters under the thinnest of rationales is scary.
A plus now, better be a solid plus. It’s too close, time and votes-wise to guess.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 4:47 pm
William j Kelly, perhaps you should block “Diana Rauner” from emailing you. Or don’t. But either way, please stop with these annoying, attention-seeking posts of yours. Fool.
Comment by ??? Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 4:48 pm
Turnout heavy in Republican area in Lemont. I am hearing that all over the state. Could spell trouble for Quinn.
Comment by Greg Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 4:51 pm
The rain has not stopped the voters south of 64 from turning out. The Bost Enyart campaign and some local county races in a lot of the counties are churning up the numbers. Not good for the current incumbent Governor. A new day!
Comment by So of 64 Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 4:54 pm
Hearing a lot of pro Rauner turnout statements. Was hearing the same things for Romney in 2012, so I’m hesitant to listen to this very closely. Could very well be right, but fool me once…
Comment by Politidork Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 4:55 pm
That Chuck Goudie report is illuminating but disturbing in light of the other tactics Chicago-area Republicans seem to have adopted this campaign.
“The ABC7 I-Team learned Tuesday that some Chicago election judges were told in the false calls to report to a Cook County Republican Office on the Southwest Side for additional “training.” When the I-Team arrived there, a man who said he is the landlord told him the GOP staff had just packed up and left. However, a Republican operative who worked there said he made personal calls to judges, too.”
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/dirty-tricks-chicago-election-judges-get-malicious-calls/380061/
Comment by hisgirlfriday Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 5:00 pm
There once was a man named Bill Kelly
Whose schtick was tired and smelly
He ran to and fro
Taking video
That you can watch on cable news access telly.
Comment by Don Freedom The Limericist Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 5:00 pm
Resistance is futile! You will be assimilated. Your unique DNA and wealth will be turned into Raunderdollars and will benefit the Raunerbots.
Surrender Dorothy!
I’ll see you folks at the Quinn victory party.
Two weeks ago I dug up the magic Fez from an undisclosed location near Bubbly Creek. The Fez is powerful it is and Quinn shall win.
Unfortunately, it’s a bit molted around the edges and Simon will lose. As we used to say in Bridgeport “Se La Vie”.
http://pitchinvasion.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/richard-j-daley.jpg
Comment by IrishPirate Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 5:04 pm
Chicago 47th ward. I got there a little after 4:30 - no line. At 4:45, after work crowd showing up. Line about 4 deep and all machines occupied.
Comment by Norrthsider Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 5:04 pm
Is the scam pulled on election judges part of the state GOP voter integrity project?
Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 5:10 pm
I visited the 18th Ward Dem Office…4500 votes cast at 3pm…not good turnout in a high turnout ward. There are no races in the city on the South Side, nothing drawing interest.
Comment by MJ the Madman Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 5:18 pm
===Is the scam pulled on election judges part of the state GOP voter integrity project?===
For the Rauner Crew, it would be the best thing for the Governor-Elect to have to explain his monies or Staff were found to be at the center of this.
Of it’s “win first, deal with the consequences second” - Yikes.
Big “ifs”, but something this large in scope is difficult to cover all the tracks. Until it’s linked to the GOP, I’ll wait and watch closely. Would hate this stain on My Party.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 5:19 pm
Couldn’t the downstate repub vote be union members not voting for rauner?
Comment by dawn Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 5:22 pm
“For the Rauner Crew, it wouldn’t be the best thing for the Governor-Elect to have to explain his monies or Staff were found to be at the center of this.”
Stupid phone
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 5:22 pm
I took family members to vote in Wheeling around 3:30. There were around 10 people in the polling place. The place was small.
Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 5:25 pm
Capitol 53, Springfield SW….I was voter #708. Judge told me turnout has been very good today, over 50% at 5pm. Many people were still coming in that were just getting off work.
No issues, not asked for ID, judges very cordial, wife and I were in and out in less than 10 minutes.
Comment by Finally Out (formerly Ready to Get Out) Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 5:30 pm
IrishPirate, I will be seeking you out at the Quinn party if I am there.
Comment by Rahm's Parking Meter Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 5:33 pm
So Chicago turnout is only at 30%, according to ST?
http://politics.suntimes.com/article/chicago/interactive-graphic-charting-chicagos-voter-turnout/tue-11042014-328pm
If that is true, Quinn is done, right?
Comment by AlabamaShake Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 5:47 pm
Drove by my polling place about 5 PM on the way home. Parking lot still full; looked to be just as busy as it was at 8:30 AM when I voted. Have feeling the actual turnout numbers in Capitol are going to be higher than predicted.
Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 5:47 pm
41st ward precinct over 50% at 3:45.
Comment by Original Rambler Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 5:51 pm
Voted in the 32nd Ward, 38th Precinct. I was told that turnout was a steady stream, higher than in 2010. Six of the eight voting booths were full when I arrived - no lines or waiting. Just received a phone call from the Quinn campaign, asking if I’d voted, and if it was for Quinn. I’m a disgruntled state employee and I feel as though I voted against Rauner than for Quinn, but I hope Quinn pulls it out.
Comment by RV_Matt Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 5:53 pm
I’m not sure that includes EV and mail-ins.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 5:54 pm
@OW
I voted early - so I am trying to mesh all of the individual stories together to create a bigger story to predict how this thing will end. After I think about it, I am probably wasting my time…
Comment by modest proposal Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 5:56 pm
Getting close to 50% in our precinct if early voters included. Traffic picked up after 3:30 and finally slowed enough
to take a potty break!
Comment by Nearly Normal Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 5:57 pm
Just checked in on my precinct on Chicago’s north side, which went 78%-9% for Quinn in ‘10. They were at 268 at 5:15, not including early voters. There were 306 total ballots cast in ‘10. Overall turnout in this little precinct will be up this year - every booth was filled and there was a line 10 deep waiting to check in.
Interestingly, the captain wasn’t pleased with the turnout, probably because it had been a PITA day because the 2 Republican election judges didn’t show up. Wonder why.
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 5:58 pm
Voted at 6 am in a N’west Side ward, Chicago. Right at poll’s opening, there were seven or eight people ahead of me. Saw bigger lines for early voting over the weekend.
Comment by Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 6:00 pm
Just got off the phone with my Bloomington daughter in law and she said lots of millennials went to the polls there today. I’m happy the youngsters have taken an interest and the time to go vote. For the last six months in conversations with young family and their friends I got the impression that a lot of them were leaning to the right.
Comment by redleg Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 6:09 pm
Polls closed in Virginia. Heading back into DC. A DC State Board of Education candidate for Ward 4 is having his post election party in my local bar. If you need me I’ll be the guy asking for WGN all night long.
Comment by GV Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 6:22 pm
I was the 682nd voter in my small town(2500)north of Peoria. The Election Judges all agreed that voting was way up this year over 2010. Since this is a very republican area, that is probably good news for Rauner.
Comment by G'Kar Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 6:22 pm
Doesn’t the pie chart show early and mail-in figures? At 5pm, roughly 415,000 votes accounted for. Anybody know how many registered voters in the city?
Comment by anonano Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 6:23 pm
The Chicago Board of Election Commissioners is normally a pretty competent group. Today they look incompetent.
Comment by Don Freedom Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 6:27 pm
Voted just after noon at Ruth Shriman house in 46th Ward. Both precincts there were walk in and vote. I was 131st voter in my precinct. Signed a nominating petition for incumbent alderman outside the building.
Comment by Uptown Lawyer Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 6:28 pm
Yeah, it does include. But unless the Dems are REALLY good actors, they think they’re still on track.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 6:30 pm
Voted, but not many people at my polling place in Mt Prospect.
Comment by bloval27 Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 6:30 pm
Quinn is cooked. Why a late robo call request?
Comment by walter mitty Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 6:44 pm
polls closely shortly except in Lake and Quinn is asking for an Obama robocall????
Comment by anonano Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 6:45 pm
Quinn Robocall request can’t be a good sign.
Comment by anon the phenom Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 6:47 pm
I have to believe its way too close. When both side claim to be on their sweet spots when everything limits to it being close, it’s like Texas Hold Em.
Show yours Cards - election results
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 6:48 pm
Ow I think rauner is up… quite a bit. desperate move by Quinn.
Comment by walter mitty Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 6:50 pm
Quinn campaign did not make a late robo call request to White House. President Obama called into a couple black radio stations. Unclear if it was pre-planed. No desperation.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 6:51 pm
===Ow I think rauner is up… quite a bit. desperate move by Quinn.===
It makes a Hail Mary look like a screen pass.
Quinn floundered, the ask is a tell.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 6:53 pm
sorry. I trust rich.. anonymous.
Comment by walter mitty Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 6:53 pm
Not what Rich tweeted 10-15 minutes ago.
Comment by anonano Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 6:54 pm
I trust Rich as well.
The call is the call
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 6:55 pm
Yes…not sure how late a night it will really be…
Comment by walter mitty Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 6:55 pm
Here it comes: whoever wins, and probably by a fraction of percent, will be viewed as brilliant, and whoever loses, by a tiny margin, is as sharp as a marble.
Comment by AC Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 6:57 pm
Im calling it for Rauner at 6:58 pm.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 6:57 pm
I sound like yoda. Sorry. It may not be as late of a night as we may have thought.
Comment by walter mitty Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 6:58 pm
at 6pm, roughly 457k voters in the city, according to the ST.
Comment by anonano Tuesday, Nov 4, 14 @ 6:58 pm