The first post-redistricting election and third “chadless” voting day in Lake County has come and gone.
On the radio show “A Prairie Home Companion,” they say the folks in Lake Wobegon are all above average, but it was clear on Election Day that the residents of Lake County are every bit as discerning.
We had 2,000 more ballot types than in the 2000 elections.
Even with 3,206 different ballot types, the election judges managed very well.
Those voting for the first time since November 2000 handled the optical-scan ballot with amazing ease–much like coloring a lotto ticket.
The few voters who were assigned to a different voting site were also patient and understanding.
The beloved actor Jimmy Stewart once said he never thought of his audience as customers but as partners. The poll workers and voters demonstrated this sentiment too. Our country has survived many challenges both past and present. We succeed, in spite of acts of aggression, because we stand united in our common commitment to the tasks at hand.
Also much credit goes to everyone involved in the March 19 election–the voters, judges, local clerks offering absentee voting, the facilities where voting is held, Election Day field representatives, election night workers and the staff in the county clerk’s office.
Especially encouraging and commendable were the high school students who served as election judges. While we have recruited and trained a record 4,000 election judges, many were unavailable to serve in March. Approximately 150 students volunteered, were trained and worked Election Day. Stevenson High School and Antioch, Grayslake and Zion High Schools were especially helpful in providing the majority of the student judges. Our election judges who worked with the students echo that our country will be in good hands with the next generation.
All those who participated in the election took part in a worthy cause. We look forward to having those who stayed home being a part of the election team in November.
