Chicago Voter Turnout ‘Very Low'

Turnout in Chicago's 14 Ward runoff elections is "really low," according to Chicago Board of Elections spokesman Jim Allen.  

Allen re-forecasted the turnout to be in the "low 20s" rather than the "high" 20,000s as anticipated.
 
In the 43rd Ward, where Vi Daley is retiring and a heated contest ensued between Michelle Smith and Tim Egan, only 12 voters showed up in the first half hour of voting in the four precincts.  

There was a better turnout by mid-morning, but Allen is citing voter fatigue and "voters fed up with robocalls" as possible reasons the turnout is so poor.

Turnout traditionally isn't as strong for runoff elections, according to the Elections Board, though millions of dollars were spent this year on campaigns.

Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel kicked in more than $300 million to back 10 candidates, most of whom veteran 14th Ward Ald. Ed Burke also supports.

In February's election, Chicago chose Emanuel as the next mayor and voted in six new aldermen. By the end of the end voters will have decided four-year terms in the following wards: 6th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 20th, 24th, 25th, 36th, 38th, 41st, 43rd, 45th, 46th and 50th.

Contact Us