Election Day: On the Scene at Local Polls

Voters appeared to be sparse at the polls today—some polling places were lucky to have seen 40 to 60 people by 3 p.m., said a member of the Cook County Clerk's Office. Earlier in the day, Cook County reported some polling sites still in the single digits as of 10 a.m., according to a Chicago Heights election judge.

"People don't think they have to come out," voter Laura Dillman said. "They want their voices to be heard, but if they don't vote—no complaints."

Asked if she could predict outcomes of the various races, Dillman said she was uncertain.

Audrey Weidman of Flossmoor said she was most interested in the 2nd Congressional District race between Jesse Jackson Jr. and Debbie Halvorson.

"I voted for Debbie Halvorson," Weidman said. "I think it's time for a change."

Weidman is also a strong advocate for the electrical aggregation referendum. She said she's hopeful it will pass.

Jamie Brassea of Hazel Crest was hanging out at Starbucks in Homewood this afternoon. She's 21, but decided not to vote today. A lack of information on the candidates and general ambivalence kept her away from the polls.

Jennifer Langefeld of Flossmoor had an entirely different problem. She said she's been voting at for over two decades now, but was not registered at the location.

"They checked the street locator and our address was there," Langefeld said. "We had to fill out a form and give our driver's license and part of our social security number."