With the 2024 primary election set to take place this coming Tuesday, Monroe County Clerk Jonathan McLean provided an update on early voting as well as some advice for those headed to the polls.

Regarding turnout at the Monroe County Courthouse over the last few weeks, McLean said the number of early votes so far is in line with what he’s seen before.

“If you compare early voting numbers through yesterday and to four years ago in 2020, our turnout is almost identical,” McLean said. “Compared to two years ago, it’s always a little heavier in a presidential year election.”

He noted the total in 2022 stood at about 350 votes, with this year’s at roughly 500.

McLean also commented on those who have opted to cast their ballot through the mail.

He said that about twice as many people have applied for vote by mail this year compared to the 2020 election.

McLean further recognized that some of these applications might come from people who have previously voted early, though he added it wouldn’t be feasible to determine the actual impact voting by mail has had in this area.

“The volume of vote by mail is somewhat new because we didn’t have permanent vote by mail four years ago,” McLean said. “Some of my early voting may have been replaced with voters now that are voting from home.”

Early voting continues from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the courthouse every weekday as well as this Saturday, March 16, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Those hoping to vote by mail can still request a ballot via the county clerk’s website (mococlerk.com) by March 14.

Those planning to vote on election day can also find their polling location on the county clerk’s website. Each location will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Regarding his expectations for election day, McLean said he anticipates a typical turnout this year, though a few factors – namely recent good weather – could see more people voting on Tuesday.

Another factor affecting turnout could be the uncontested nature of this year’s presidential election, with Republican candidate Donald Trump and incumbent Democrat Joe Biden already receiving their respective parties’ support.

“Since the presidential election is sort of settled at this point, that’s probably going to impact turnout,” McLean said. “I think if there was still a competitive race going on for either the Republican or Democratic party presidential primaries, then that would have probably had turnout a little bit higher than normal.”

McLean said results from Tuesday voting should be available around 8-8:30 p.m. that evening on the county clerk’s website.

For those who still need to cast their ballot, McLean suggested voters check their registration status on the county clerk’s website in case there are any issues that need to be addressed prior to Tuesday.

Registration can be checked at mococlerk.com or by calling the county clerk’s office at 618-939-8623.

McLean also recommended folks continue to take advantage of early voting over the next few days as there hasn’t been much of a line at the courthouse.

He also offered his thoughts on the matter of voter fraud as some have expressed concerns once again in this year’s election.

He noted the county’s voting is all done using paper ballots, and the machines used do not connect to the internet – an important point since many concerns about voter fraud center around the possibility of machines being hacked.

He added that those with genuine concerns can reach out to his office.

“If they see something or they’re concerned about something that they see at a polling place, call or email me,” McLean said. “If somebody feels something is not being done right or is concerned about something, let us know.”

McLean also spoke about a presentation he recently gave at Waterloo High School, demonstrating the county’s voting machines.

He said much of the public is unfamiliar with voting systems, and this can lead to heightened suspicions about tampering or abuse.

This sort of communication between his office and WHS students, he said, will hopefully help them be engaged and familiar with these systems as they not only vote but potentially take on governmental positions themselves in the future.

“I want voters to be more informed about how it works,” McLean said. “Civic literacy is sort of a goal of mine, not just with elections but with everything in local government, trying to educate people how it works.”

Contested races to be decided (hopefully) Tuesday night include the race to be the Republican nominee for the 12th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives between Darren Bailey and incumbent Mike Bost. 

For the Democrats, Preston Gabriel Nelson and Brian Roberts are running for their party’s 12th Congressional District nomination. 

In the 58th District Illinois Senate Republican Primary, Terri Bryant is running for another term and is opposed by Wesley Kash.

Articles on all three contested races can be found in this week’s issue.

State Rep. David Friess (R-Red Bud) is running unopposed for re-election in the 115th District.

In Monroe County, incumbent Republicans Bob Hill (coroner) and Lisa Fallon (circuit clerk) are both seeking re-election without opposition. 

Recently appointed Monroe County State’s Attorney Ryan Webb, another Republican, is also running unopposed.

Republican Douglas Garmer, an alderman on the Columbia City Council, is running unopposed for the county commissioner seat to be vacated this November by fellow Republican Dennis Knobloch.