Election Day Live Blog!

A polling place in Chicago waits for voters. (Photo: Chicago Tribune)

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Here’s our Election Day Live Blog! Refresh throughout the day.

3:55 P.M.

Democratic Party of Illinois release:

On Election Day, Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez was proud to stand alongside U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, U.S. Representatives Danny Davis (IL-07) and Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and several Illinois Democrats at Manny’s Deli to greet voters, emphasize the stakes in this election and urge Illinoisans to make their voices heard at the polls.
“Today, we’re seeing communities across Illinois come together with incredible strength,” said Chair Lisa Hernandez. “Our mission has been clear from day one: every race matters, from county board to Congress. With Kamala Harris at the top of our ticket, we’re energized and ready to protect the progress we've made—and build on it. Together, we’ll make sure every voice is heard at the polls today.”
With critical down-ballot races in play, Illinois Democrats are mobilizing statewide through Organize Illinois 2024, a coordinated campaign focused on engaging voters and securing victories at every level—from local districts to the U.S. Congress. Through targeted strategies, extensive volunteer efforts, and significant investment in paid communications, the campaign has already achieved over 1.7 million voter contact attempts, hosted more than 180 events, and opened 12 satellite offices, underscoring the Democratic Party of Illinois' commitment to reaching every community across the state.
“Today, voters are heading to the polls to choose between a President with an 'enemies list' versus a 'to-do list,’” said Senator Dick Durbin. “Vice President Harris and Governor Walz are fighting for a New Way Forward that protects reproductive freedom, strengthens our democracy, and ensures every person has the opportunity to not just get by, but to get ahead. They are running to build a brighter, more hopeful future for all Americans so we can finally turn the page on Donald Trump. The Harris-Walz campaign is focused on making sure that every voter has the information to get out and vote, and that they feel confident doing it safely and securely. We have an opportunity to elect real leaders to the White House. Let’s get the job done for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.”
“Our children’s futures are on the ballot today,” said Comptroller Susana Mendoza. “Don’t think your vote doesn’t matter. Kamala Harris can’t get elected without Illinois. We also have school board elections; legislative races and other contests you need to weigh in on. And you can call your friends in swing states like Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania and tell them how important it is they vote for Kamala Harris for president.”
“Every eligible voter has the right to make their voice heard today,” said Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. “Myself and pro-democracy Attorneys General nationwide are prepared for right-wing legal challenges to our safe and fair elections. After the 2020 election, we fought back against Trump's attempts to overturn the results, so we are ready to take action to uphold the rule of law, protect the vote-counting process, and hold bad actors accountable for any attempts at election interference.”
Through coordinated outreach, grassroots mobilization, and a robust voter protection effort, Illinois Democrats continue fighting for essential issues—from reproductive rights and workers’ protections to public safety and justice. With so much at stake, Illinois Democrats remain resolute in their commitment to ensuring that every vote and every voice counts.

And photo:

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2:30 P.M.

It is really quiet out there. Like, quieter than I’ve ever seen for a general election. Rain has a role in that, I’m sure, but it’s weird.

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2:00 P.M.

Speaker Welch out with Rep. Nabeela Syed (D-Palatine) in that marginally competitive northwest suburban district today.

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1:15 P.M.:

Suburban Cook turnout report here.

City turnout here.

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NOON:

I had Trump-supporting Congressman Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) on the radio this morning. I thought it was a fun chat. You should listen.

11:00 A.M.

After a vendor issue where Champaign County couldn’t access electronic poll books this morning, officials will ask a judge to extend voting hours there. News-Gazette story here.

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10:50 A.M.

Our free edition of The Illinoize Newsletter is out. Read it here.

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10:25 A.M.

Governor Pritzker’s Election Day statement. No word on where he is today.

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10:00 A.M.

Big lines at the Loop super site, per Nancy Harty of WBBM.

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7:35 A.M.

Champaign County, for instance, is having problems. It is a vendor problem, we’re told.

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7:30 A.M.

Sangamon County Clerk Don Gray just told me on the radio their online poll book vendor is down this morning. They still use paper poll books in Sangamon County, so it isn’t impacting voters, but is impacting same day voter registration.

It sounds like counties that do use online poll books are having big issues this morning. We’re asking around to find out who and how things may be impacted.

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6:30 A.M.

A new poll yesterday showed Congressman Eric Sorensen (D-Moline) with a 5 point lead over his GOP opponent, former Judge Joe McGraw.

It’s considered the only contested congressional seat in Illinois.

Patrick Pfingsten