Early Voting Continues for April 1st Election

With under a week remaining until the April 1 Consolidated General Election, early voting in Sangamon County continues to see steady turnout as voters cast their ballots in local races, including Capital Township Trustee and school board contests in the Springfield and Chatham districts.

Sangamon County Clerk Don Gray reminded voters that early voting and vote-by-mail are underway, with weekend voting available March 29-30 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Sangamon County Building, 200 S. 9th Street, Springfield.

“Voters have the opportunity to cast their ballot early and avoid any potential Election Day rush,” Gray said. “We encourage everyone to take advantage of early voting or vote-by-mail to ensure their voice is heard in this important election.”

Early voting is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through March 31, with free parking available in the Adams Street lot across from the BOS Center.

With expanded space and multiple voter processing stations available at the renovated early voting site, Gray said the county is committed to providing a smooth, convenient voting experience. “Our goal is to make the process as simple and efficient as possible,” he said. “We encourage everyone to vote early, by mail, or in person on Election Day—whichever option works best for them.”

As part of The Sangamon Reporter's effort to provide voters with an opportunity to learn more about the candidates, we distributed a questionnaire to those seeking office. Below are the responses from the candidates who chose to participate, presented in their entirety.

What prompted you to seek elected office?

April Smith: I think it is important to give back to the community. As a retiree, I have the time and experience to give back in a meaningful way.

Ken Leonard: I have a desire to help people to become better people.

Tammy Rockford: My professional career has always been in the field of community service. Capital Township seemed to be a good fit due to the programs we offer to assist our community residents.

Kelly Gilmore: I felt that I could contribute to the community by helping with keeping taxes low as well as helping with the general assistance program and the homeless efforts.

If you could convey to the voters just one work or volunteer-related experience in your background, what would that one experience be?

April Smith: Volunteering has always been a part of my life. I lived in Rockford, Illinois, for 28 years before moving back to my hometown of Springfield in 2006. As a member of the Rockford Junior League, we established Discovery Center in 1981. That effort has bloomed into over 300 interactive exhibits for children in Northern Illinois. I also served on the Winnebago County Board, Forest Preserve Commission, and the Rockford Convention and Visitors Bureau Board.

Ken Leonard: Probably just my whole life in my career by mentoring, guiding, and supporting players to become the best person they can be.

Tammy Rockford: Every year for the past 23 years, I have participated in a Thanksgiving basket drive, delivering food for Thanksgiving dinner and other household necessities to Sangamon, Logan, and Menard County residents.

Kelly Gilmore: I volunteered as a youth basketball coach and worked with girls to be confident, strong, and to be the best teammate on and off the court. That experience was so rewarding and helped me be a better leader and listener.

What do you think is the most impactful decision for our community that has been made at any level of government?

April Smith: The election of Donald Trump has drawn attention to government waste and reckless spending at the taxpayer’s expense. Our taxes are too high, especially in Illinois. There have always been people in need, and it is important to provide temporary assistance. Townships deliver services at lower costs than counties, and the Capital Township Republican Team has delivered assistance to 16,000 people in need of rent, utility, and food services while lowering your tax bill the last five years.

Ken Leonard: The work that our new mayor in Springfield is doing through the police and allowing them to do their jobs.

Tammy Rockford: The proposal of the consolidation of Sangamon County Recorder and County Clerk office.

Kelly Gilmore: I think that the school district's cell phone policy of putting away the phone during classes has benefited our students. By having students focus on what is being taught and not being distracted by the phones and social media, it is making for a better educational experience for the students, teachers, and administrators.

Do you think politics have become too divisive? What can be done to heal some of the divisiveness in today’s political discourse?

April Smith: Incivility is prevalent in society. It has diminished interest in what politicians say and think. The use of rude, disrespectful language in a public forum should never be allowed or tolerated.

Ken Leonard: I think in politics, we need to agree to disagree and not be so personal and attack each other. We need to be open to listening to others' thoughts and concerns.

Tammy Rockford: Yes! It should be WE the people, not US vs. THEM!

Kelly Gilmore: Yes, in my opinion, the level of divisiveness in politics has increased. If we can get back to the idea that people share a lot more in common versus focusing on what divides us, we could make our community stronger.

What policy or program would be your top priority if elected to the position you are seeking?

April Smith: Providing temporary assistance to those truly in need while not raising taxes.

Ken Leonard: To continue helping the homeless and to keep taxes down.

Tammy Rockford: The unhoused in our community and ensuring the resources available are being utilized.

Kelly Gilmore: I want to continue to work on keeping the taxes low for townships and continue to work with organizations to reduce our homeless population.

Which current elected official do you most respect and admire?

April Smith: Currently, that would be Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. He has been a champion for educational excellence and parents' rights. He ushered in historic investments in education, launched lab schools for innovation in education, funded 18% teacher raises, and passed the Virginia Literacy Act to improve literacy among elementary school-age students. Governor Youngkin also delivered $5 billion in tax relief for working families—eliminating the state-level tax on groceries and nearly doubling the standard deduction for all Virginians.

Ken Leonard: President Trump because what he said he would do, he is getting it done.

Tammy Rockford: As of recently, I do not have any admiration for any particular elected official.