Early Voting Underway

Early voting for the November 3 general election began Thursday, September 24, in Sangamon County, giving registered voters the chance to cast their ballots in person or by mail ahead of Election Day.

Sangamon County Clerk Don Gray announced that early voting is available at the Sangamon County Complex, 200 S. Ninth Street in Springfield, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday through October 23.

"Registered voters of Sangamon County can officially cast a ballot for the November 3rd General Election. Voters have multiple options to cast their ballot early at the Election Office or by mail, both of which are quick, easy and convenient," Gray said in a press release.

Additional voting hours will be available throughout October. The Election Office will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Columbus Day, October 12, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, October 10 and 17.

Expanded weekend hours will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 24, 25 and 31, as well as November 1. Weekday voting hours will extend from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. beginning October 26 and continuing through November 2.

Voters this fall will weigh in on several closely watched races. At the top of the ballot is the race for U.S. Senate, where Illinois voters will fill an open seat for the first time since 2010. Longtime Sen. Dick Durbin, who has held the seat since 1997, is not seeking reelection. Democrat Juliana Stratton, the state's lieutenant governor, faces Republican Don Tracy, a former chairman of the Illinois Republican Party. Stratton won a three-way Democratic primary in March over U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly, while Tracy won the Republican nomination over attorney Jeannie Evans.

Closer to home, the 48th State Senate District race pits incumbent Democrat Doris Turner of Springfield against Republican Frank Lesko. The district covers most of Sangamon County and parts of several surrounding counties. Turner was appointed to the seat in 2021 and previously served on the Sangamon County Board and the Springfield City Council. She won her first full term in 2022 by about 1,400 votes out of nearly 77,000 cast. Lesko was elected Sangamon County Recorder in 2024 after campaigning to merge the office into the County Clerk's office, a change voters approved. He previously served as Springfield city clerk, as a Springfield alderman and on the Springfield Park Board.

In the race for Sangamon County Sheriff, Republican Sheriff Paula Crouch is seeking her first full term against Democrat Marc Bell. Crouch, a retired Springfield Police Department lieutenant, was appointed sheriff in September 2024 following the retirement of Jack Campbell. She won the Republican primary in March over retired deputy David Timm. Bell is a retired Illinois State Police sergeant who currently serves on Springfield's Police Community Review Commission. He announced in February that he would leave the race but remained on the primary ballot, and later rejoined the campaign.

Voters will also decide several other statewide contests. Gov. JB Pritzker and running mate Christian Mitchell face Republican Darren Bailey and running mate Aaron Del Mar in a rematch of the 2022 governor's race. Attorney General Kwame Raoul faces Republican Bob Fioretti, and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias faces Republican Diane Harris. The comptroller's office is open this year, with Democrat Margaret Croke facing Republican Bryan Drew, and Treasurer Mike Frerichs faces Republican Max Solomon.

Vote-by-mail ballots have also begun arriving for voters who previously requested them or are enrolled in the Permanent Vote by Mail Program. Registered voters interested in voting by mail can submit an application through the County Clerk's website or contact the Election Office at 217-753-8683.

Gray said voting by mail continues to grow in popularity and emphasized the county's procedures for processing and securing mail ballots.

"The public should have confidence in the manner in which Sangamon County processes, validates and secures our vote by mail ballots for an accurate and accountable election," Gray said.

Voters returning their ballots through the United States Postal Service will need to provide $2.27 in postage. The Postal Service recommends mailing completed ballots no later than October 27. Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by November 17 to be counted.

Voters may also return ballots without postage at the 24-hour drop box on Monroe Street at the Sangamon County Complex or at the Sangamon County Juvenile/Regional Office of Education, 2201 S. Dirksen Parkway. Ballots may also be delivered in person or through third-party delivery to the Election Office at 200 S. Ninth Street.

More information about early voting and voting by mail is available at countyclerk.sangamonil.gov or by calling 217-753-8683.