Election Day Live Blog!

7:00p.m.- Polls are now closed. We’re going live for the next four hours on YouTube. You should watch:

6:35p.m.- Gut feeling from folks on the ground is the 12th is going to be down to the wire. Hold on to your hats, kids.

6:00p.m.- Seriously.

It's 2024 and there remain multiple counties in Illinois that don't report their election results online. pic.twitter.com/iufzS0ykDq
— TheIllinoize.com (@the_illinoize) March 19, 2024

5:45p.m.- Chicago turnout.

Updated Chicago Voter Turnout as of 5:00pm on Election Day, 3/19/24:
287,621 total ballots cast (includes EV and VBM)
1,697,498 active registered voters in Chicago
16.94% citywide turnout so far
🗳️🧵
— Chicago Board of Elections (@ChicagoElection) March 19, 2024

5:15p.m.- The more we hear about low turnout in southern Illinois, the more nervous people become for Congressman Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro).

2:15p.m.- Some lines out there. Via Queen Mary Ann:

Clark and Lake Super site 2pm #ILPrimary pic.twitter.com/P4BlzFyWPu
— Mary Ann Ahern (@MaryAnnAhernNBC) March 19, 2024

12:00p.m.- Darren Bailey continues to pander to Donald Trump until the very end. Trump, of course, endorsed Mike Bost.

VOTE TODAY!!! I've had enough of these career politicians standing by while our border remains under attack. While my opponent now plays tough, remember his vote for amnesty for 1.8 million illegal immigrants and sending billions overseas, neglecting our security. I’m about real… pic.twitter.com/Rt9JDVpX2j
— Darren Bailey (@DarrenBaileyIL) March 19, 2024

11:45a.m.- Just a reminder, Sharpies are your preferred bubble filling device.

Did you receive a felt-tip pen when you went to vote today? Don't worry, many voting systems use them as a ballot marking device. Your vote is still valid! #ElectionDay pic.twitter.com/nR4WMicLNc
— Illinois SBE (@illinoissbe) March 19, 2024

11:15a.m.- D.C. view on Bost/Bailey: https://www.insideelections.com/news/article/illinois-12-bost-in-danger-of-losing-primary

10:15a.m.- Silly season.

Team @RepChuyGarcia filed a complaint against me & immediately called the @Suntimes. My violation: providing donuts & coffee to Election Judges.

I wish Chuy respected workers the way he says he does. He could have brought the conchas!#WrapupSmear
— Ald. Raymond Lopez (@RaymondALopez) March 19, 2024

UPDATE! Yikes

Alderman @RaymondALopez, you forgot to mention the envelopes with cold hard cash and thank you letters which your campaign handed to judges this morning.
— Aarón Ortíz (@AaronOrtiz_IL) March 19, 2024

9:45a.m.- This is going to be a thing.

VOTER TURNOUT: La Salle County Clerk Jen Ebner, spot checking things at the Utica Village Hall, reported voters are hesitant about using the new voting machines and are overwhelmingly requesting paper ballots.
— Tom Collins (@NT_Court) March 19, 2024

9:00a.m.- With the exception of a couple of spots in southern Illinois, pretty much every report on turnout so far ranges from “light” to “slow” to “awful.”

8:45am:- Lt. Governor Stratton votes this morning.

Happy Election Day, Illinois! Always remember that your vote is your voice and it matters🗳️

To the dedicated election authorities, poll workers and election judges, thank you for ensuring fair and free elections. You are a critical part of our democracy and are appreciated! pic.twitter.com/G0oG9r9kA2
— Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton (@LtGovStratton) March 19, 2024

8:15a.m.- Major Chicago political news: Manny’s drama.

Illinois Primary Election Day!
Before the votes are counted, Dems are divided on whether to honor tradition and meet for lunch at @mannysdeli or join party boss @ToniPreckwinkle at Valois. Preckwinkle not up for being in the same room with the Dems she doesn’t support.
— Mary Ann Ahern (@MaryAnnAhernNBC) March 19, 2024

8:00a.m.- Congressman Sean Casten’s (D-Downers Grove) Election Day mood. He has two primary challengers today.

My election day tradition. Make sure to go vote today, Illinois! https://t.co/b0kzAEaCWB
— Sean Casten (@SeanCasten) March 19, 2024

7:45a.m.- This morning’s newsletter is free for everyone.

6:00a.m.- Good morning. Polls are open. Drop us a note with what you’re seeing and hearing out there. If there’s a line at your poll, take a picture and send it to me at patrick@theillinoize.com. Let’s go!

Patrick Pfingsten