All metro-east polls open, despite cancellations by judges fearful of coronavirus
County clerks in the metro-east report light turnout but no major problems with Tuesday’s primary election so far, thanks to employees working late Monday to replace election judges who canceled at the last minute because of the coronavirus scare.
All polling places in St. Clair, Madison, Clinton and Monroe counties were open this morning.
“As soon as (judges) called off, we were replacing them,” said Vanessa Jones, chief deputy clerk for Madison County. “We were here until about 8:30, making sure our polling places were staffed.”
The number of election judges in Madison County were lower than the usual 1,125 (five per precinct), but there was at least one from each party at every polling place Tuesday morning, Jones said.
St. Clair County Clerk Tom Holbrook faced similar challenges, and his staff was recruiting election judges until 10:30 p.m. Monday.
“We’re up and functioning in all 192 precincts,” he said late Tuesday morning. “We’re tweaking a few things, like some places needed extra supplies. Everyone is very concerned about sanitary conditions for the voters’ and the judges’ protection.”
Instruction packets for judges included precautions related to coronavirus, and disinfectant sprays and wipes were provided at polling places, Holbrook said.
Monroe appeals for wipes
Monroe County employees spent more time than usual cleaning at polling places and asked people on Facebook to bring canisters of disinfectant wipes for judges to use Tuesday if they had any extra, according to County Clerk John McLean.
He also took the unusual step of allowing voters with health concerns to press call buttons in parking lots and request that judges carry ballots out to cars. The buttons normally are used by people with disabilities who need help getting inside.
“I’m trying to do everything I can to make voters feel comfortable,” McLean said.
Before the election, Clinton County moved a polling place that serves four precincts in Centralia, as requested by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office on Thursday due to coronavirus concerns. The normal location is Murray Developmental Center, which houses people with behavioral and medical needs.
“We had to think outside the box, and now (the polling place is) located at a car dealership down the street,” said County Clerk Vicky Albers.
Voters would have been casting ballots in Murray’s administration building, not patient areas, but the move was implemented as a cautionary measure, she said.
‘Normal’ turnout, call volume
Jones speculated that turnout in Tuesday’s election will be close to average for a Madison County primary, judging by foot traffic and number of telephone inquiries. The usual questions ranged from, “Where is my polling place?” to “Can I still register?”
“It’s a normal election, despite coronavirus,” Jones said.
Holbrook predicted turnout will be less than average for a St. Clair County primary (20 to 25 percent), but more than that for a municipal election (4 or 5 percent), settling around 10 or 15 percent.
McLean expects a 20 to 25 percent turnout or lower in Monroe County, compared to the usual 35 percent in primaries. Overall, he feels “lucky” that all polling places opened on time and there have been no equipment problems.
“I can’t blame (judges who cancelled),” he said. “They’re older, and some of them have health problems. I understand. But I just really want to thank the ones who have stuck with us and helped get this election done.”
Clinton County turnout averages 9 or 10 percent in primaries, Albers said, and she sees no indication that Tuesday’s election will be much different, although she noted more people voted early or by absentee ballot this year than in the past.
Clinton County switched to new voting machines this year. Albers reported no malfunctions as of midday.
“It’s a little bare bones at the polls as far as election judges,” she said. “But we have enough seasoned people that it should go off without a hitch.”
This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 2:06 PM.
