500 Cast Ballots On First Day of Early Voting in Evanston

Nearly 500 people voted during the first day of early voting in Evanston, arriving first thing in the morning to cast their ballots at the station set up on the second floor of the Civic Center.

According to the Cook County Clerk’s Office, 495 people had voted in Evanston by late Monday evening. In November 2008, during the last presidential election, a total of 9,053 people voted early in Evanston, while some 3,504 voted early in November 2010, the Clerk’s Office reports. 

Throughout suburban Cook County, a record 13,500 people cast their ballots early on Monday. 

"Turnout is already impressive and I hope it keeps up until early voting ends Nov. 3," Cook County Clerk David Orr said in a release. "We are sending extra help to the early voting sites to help handle the crowds."

, at the Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave. Anyone can vote early, and you don't need to give a reason. Early voters must bring a photo ID, such as a driver's license, state-issued ID card or university ID card.

The polls will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Evanston Civic Center during the early voting period. Voters who are in line by 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday will still be allowed to vote. 

Want more of the latest election news from Evanston? Sign up for our free newsletter.