Chicago voters looking to participate in early voting have been facing remarkably long lines at several locations, with reports surfacing of wait times that have extended up to three hours. Residents in the North Side neighborhood of Lakeview experienced significant delays at the Merlo Library, where lines were observed stretching over a block, according to Block Club Chicago. One voter, Cassie Branderhorst, recounted her ordeal stating, "I arrived at 5 p.m. and wasn’t done until 7:30," highlighting the intensity of the situation that many were unprepared for.
In response to the heavy turnout and long waits, the Chicago Board of Election has been actively promoting the "Vote Anywhere" program, which affords early voters the flexibility to swiftly change to a less crowded voting site nearby, according to NBC Chicago. Max Bever, a spokesperson for the Board, acknowledged the commonality of such lines during presidential elections, given that they usually draw over 70% of registered voters. Bever further noted, "Unfortunately, people should expect lines, especially at popular ward locations with easy public transit access," as reported by Block Club Chicago. The Board is working to manage these issues and guide voters to alternate sites with presumably shorter lines.
Other areas across Chicago have also been grappling with this surge in voter participation. Oak Park Village Hall, Bucktown, and Wicker Park voters faced nearly two-hour waits, according to Block Club Chicago. For voters like Hannah Carroll, who hoped to bypass long lines on Election Day by voting early at the Bucktown-Wicker Park Branch library, the plan was met with disappointment. "Apparently, it wasn’t really that much ahead of the line though, right?" she remarked on the unexpected turnout.
With Election Day looming and the challenges presented by prolonged lines, officials continue to urge voters to consider alternative sites. Bever suggested sites like Truman College, the Broadway Armory, and Northtown Library for North Side residents seeking shorter lines, as mentioned by Block Club Chicago. Moreover, the Downtown Supersite on Clark Street features 72 touchscreen machines, considerably expediting the voting process compared to smaller locations like the Merlo Library, which has only 10 touchscreen machines.
Despite the inconveniences and potential deterrents caused by the waits, the civic spirit remains strong among Chicagoans, with lines of residents patiently awaiting their turn to vote, undeterred by weather or time. Branderhorst expressed a sentiment shared by many, stating, "With the very fabric of our democracy hanging in the balance, I was happy to wait." As the city inches closer to Election Day, the Board of Election encourages voters to remain steadfast and informed about their voting options, recognizing the crucial part each individual plays in the democratic process.
