Election News
5/8/24
Primary Election Voter Turnout Lowest in Over 50 Years
March’s Illinois presidential primary election saw the lowest primary turnout in at least 50 years, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections.
Overall state turnout was 19.07%. The low number may be, in part, because both the Democrat and Republican presidential candidates had already clinched their parties’ nominations.
The highest turnout was recorded in Chicago, which featured a close primary race for Cook County State’s Attorney, with 25.88% of registered voters casting ballots.
Illinois Primary Election Turnout, past 50 years:
Year Turnout
2024 19%
2020 28%
2016 47%
2012 23%
2008 41%
2004 29%
2000 26%
1996 29%
1992 44%
1988 43%
1984 41%
1980 44%
1976 43%
1972 40%
LWVIL is Preparing for the 2024 General Election
LWVIL’s Voter Service mission is to educate voters and ensure that every eligible Illinoisan is able to register and cast their ballot. With the help of our local Leagues, LWVIL works to make this happen.
The nonpartisan Illinois Voter Guide is a one-stop tool for all voter needs. During each election period, IVG lists detailed candidate information, including our own LWV question and answer sections and candidate forum videos (where available). Between elections, voters can still use IVG to register to vote, confirm their registration status, and change their address. They can apply for a vote by mail ballot and learn how to become an election judge. Please take advantage of this resource and let your communities know it’s available to them all year round!
Become An Election Judge for the November Election
Election judges (aka poll workers) are the backbone of our electoral process. We can’t hold an election without them. Election judges arrive early to set up voting equipment, open and close the polls, issue the correct ballots to each voter and help voters with questions. Election judges are required to declare their party preference so there is a fair distribution of election judges from each party.
Early voting officials serve similar duties as election judges, but for the full duration of early voting.
Both election judges and early voting officials are needed for the November election. If you meet the eligibility requirements of being a U.S. citizen and a registered voter in your district, please consider serving. You will be trained and paid. Visit your local election authority—typically, your county clerk—for more information on signing up.