On the brink of Election Day, Chicago is witnessing the culmination of early voting with substantial turnout expected at various polling locations throughout the city. As reported by ABC7 Chicago, the downtown Voting Supersite is bracing for one final surge of voters before the official election day comes around. As the hours tick down, both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are vehemently working to rally supporters, with a keen eye on the youth whose votes could potentially sway the closely contested election.
Despite traditionally lower turnout rates among younger demographics, the energy behind this year's election seems to be driving a shift, albeit with the acknowledgment of possible wait times. "It feels a bit weird," Leah Walker, a first-time voter, told ABC7 Chicago. "It's kind of a bit deal. And especially, this election it's so close. And I feel like everybody's votes matter this year." The sentiments of urgency and importance are palpable as the poll numbers present Harris with a 14-point lead over Trump among voters under 30 years old.
As mentioned by NBC Chicago, Max Bever from the Chicago Board of Elections indicated that the day preceding Election Day is notably their busiest for early voting. Historically, around 40,000 people have been observed to exercise their right to vote on this day. No different expectation has been set for this year as the city anticipates similar numbers this cycle.
The Chicago Board of Elections has noted varying wait times across the city. Voters on the northside and near the lakefront are forewarned to expect up to two-hour waits due to higher accessibility via public transit, as NBC Chicago reports. In contrast, shorter lines are anticipated on the west side. Despite these forecasts, the message from election officials and voters alike is unequivocal: the time invested to get out and vote, to shape tomorrow, is unequivocally worth despite any potential delay.
