Races are now set for November, after voters went to the polls in Illinois Tuesday. Some counties recorded near record turnout, and long lines were observed in several locations.
- Hillary Clinton has won the Democratic presidential primary in Illinois. The former secretary of state narrowly defeated Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders on Tuesday to claim victory in the state where she was born. Clinton spoke recently in Chicago about how to create more good-paying jobs. Sanders held rallies in the Chicago suburbs and the University of Illinois in Champaign.
- Donald Trump has won the Republican primary for president in Illinois. The billionaire businessman won the statewide presidential preference vote on Tuesday to take at least 15 of the 69 delegates available. It's likely he will pick up more as delegates in each congressional district are awarded.
- Illinois voters are getting an early taste of what's expected to be one of the hardest-fought U.S. Senate races in the country. Republican U.S. Senator Mark Kirk is accusing U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth of "repeatedly failing to protect'' veterans in her care. The Democrat counters that Kirk has embraced GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump's "fear mongering.'' The candidates say they'll focus on national security, the economy and veterans' care.
In other races:
- U.S. Rep. John Shimkus (R-Collinsville) survived a challenge from GOP State Senator Kyle McCarter in the 15th Congressional District.
- Republican State Rep. David Reis held off a challenge from John Curtis in Illinois' 109th District.
- Republican State Rep. Reggie Phillips beat challenger Jonathan Kaye in the 110th District.
- Republican Paul Schimpf will face Democrat Sheila Simon in Illinois' 58th State Senate race, both hoping to take the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. David Luechtefeld (R-Okawville)
LOCAL RACES:
- In Franklin County, Evan Owens held off challenger Jason Drew in the Franklin County State’s Attorney Race.
- In Jackson County, Incumbent Coroner Tom Kupferer beat challenger Pat Kelly.
In Jefferson County, Roger Hayse won the Republican Primary for Coroner, and will face Christine Hayes in November. Meanwhile Joey McDermott and Adam Ortgiesen each won their primary race for County Board.
Three ballot questions in Jefferson County had mixed results. Voters in the Grand Prairie School District approved increasing the property tax rate by a quarter percent, a one-percent sales tax for school facilities in Jefferson County failed, and voters also said no to using proceeds from the sale of water in the Rend Lake Conservancy District for recreation programs in the RLCD.
- In Perry County, John Batteau won the Republican race for County Board, defeating Michelle Rodely 55%-45%. Voters in Pinckneyville defeated a request to raise the property tax for Pinckneyville Schools.
- In Union County, Dale Russell will go on to the November Election in the race for County Board. Russell defeated Alex Foeller in Tuesday’s Primary.
- In Williamson County, State’s Attorney Brandon Zanotti held off a challenge from Daniel Kay. Circuit Clerk Angie Kochan won her race against Jennifer Pritchett. Both Zanotti and Kochan were appointed to their positions mid-term.
Voter turnout was higher than expected in some areas, though it remains to be seen if any local counties will break turnout records.
In Effingham County, some voters had to wait for additional ballots to be delivered at their polling places. The Effingham Daily News reports polls remained open until 8:30 Tuesday evening, to accommodate a higher than expected number of voters.
In Franklin County, 44% of voters turned out to cast a ballot – 11,821 people voted.
Jackson County reports a 34% voter turnout rate, with 13,484 ballots cast. In Perry County, 5,111 voters went to the polls, and 18,514 voters turned out in Williamson County.
