Election Day is Tuesday, but many people have already voted. Vermilion County Clerk Kathy Jenkins told us late Friday about the daily turnout of early voters at her office…
Audio Player{AUDIO: ”We’ve been running probably anywhere from 90 to 100 all week this week. So that’s really encouraging for us. We do a lot of work to put on the elections and want people to get out and vote, and it looks like they’re pretty motivated to do that this year. So we’re excited to see everybody come in.”}
And what does Jenkins think it is that’s attracting people to vote?
Audio Player{AUDIO: ”Well I think a lot of it…I think it’s not one particular thing. I think it’s a multitude of things. I think the economy is hurting people. People are feeling it pretty heavy now at the gas pump and grocery store – if you’ve bought groceries recently. And I think that they just want to make sure that their voices are heard, and are not going to sit back this time. So I think you’re going to see a lot of people out to vote that haven’t normally voted before.”}
Sandy Delhaye, Executive Director of the Danville Election Commission, thinks it is something else that has been attracting people to vote early…
Audio Player{AUDIO: ”The weather. – I think the weather is bringing out people. – That’s just my opinion but it seems like the nicer the weather, people are wanting to get out and be a little bit active. But we’ve had lines out here for, we’ve been doing it now for about six weeks. But it seems like the last couple of weeks we’ve just had a steady line.”}
Delhaye thinks Tuesday could be a busy day at the local polling places….
Audio Player{AUDIO: ”I think it’s going to be a big turnout. That’s just my personal opinion based on what I’ve heard from people coming into the office. The questions we’re getting on the telephone from both parties. I tell them don’t give up your right to vote. And if you feel that strongly about it make sure you go and vote. I mean, that’s what you do.”}
The polls open at 6:00 a.m. Tuesday and close at 7:00 p.m. You can follow the election returns Tuesday evening as the votes are counted by going to Vermilioncountyfirst.com.
