CHICAGO () — Long lines and ballot shortages disrupted voting at several polling places across the Chicago area on Election Day.
The I-Team documented voting problems in Logan Square’s First Ward, where voters encountered delays and equipment failures.
Three precincts vote at the Rockwell location, where long lines formed outside early Tuesday morning.
Some voters were instructed to return later or travel to the supersite in Bucktown, which was also experiencing lengthy lines.
Precinct 6 continued operating, but voters assigned to Precinct 5 were unable to cast ballots after the site ran out of paper ballots and its electronic voting machines stopped working.
Additional ballots arrived at Rockwell around noon, along with more electronic voting equipment.
Voters in Precinct 4 were limited to casting their ballots electronically.
The I-Team was told that two technicians were working to repair the electronic machine assigned to Precinct 5, but the issue had not been resolved.
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The League of Women Voters said it notified the Chicago Board of Elections and was told that more ballots were being sent.
The I-Team also received reports of paper ballot shortages elsewhere, including Noble Square. Voters there said no paper ballots had been available since 9:45 a.m.
Similar problems were reported at Roosevelt High School in Albany Park, where voters were directed to a supersite four blocks away.
Voters in Pilsen also reported ballot shortages, and an ABC7 Chicago employee said supplies were running low.
The I-Team contacted the Board of Elections, which issued the following response:
“The Board is printing and delivering additional paper ballots to several precincts, along with possible extra touch-screen voting machines. To speed up the process, ballot-on-demand printing is being conducted at our warehouse in McKinley Park and at downtown offices.”
Voters faced a lengthy ballot on Tuesday.
In addition to the Illinois governor’s race, voters were choosing who should represent the state in the U.S. Senate.
Voter information for Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin
A steady stream of voters arrived at the Loop supersite after polls opened at 6 a.m.
At one point, dozens of people were waiting in line, underscoring the significance of the election.
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Voters said affordability, rising gas prices, reproductive rights and the health of American democracy were among their biggest concerns.
“Housing is becoming increasingly expensive, and immigration is also a major concern,” voter Fernando Solorazno said. “Chicago feels like a community for immigrants, but since this administration took office, everything has felt unsettled.”
“There are so many national and local issues at stake,” voter Jim Lange said. “It is important to cast your ballot and make sure your voice is heard.”
“With everything happening around us, voting feels important,” voter Christian Udeozor said. “I see so much troubling news on social media, and I want to vote for a better quality of life for myself and my family. Everyone should come out and vote.”
Local authorities reported increased early voting ahead of Election Day compared with the midterm election four years ago.
The higher turnout appeared to continue Tuesday.
By approximately 4:45 p.m., nearly 250,000 people had voted in Chicago.
“I’m here to do my civic duty and contribute, so I can criticize people in good faith,” voter Dave Olson said.
“There is a lot at stake, and Chicago is dealing with many of the issues on today’s ballot,” voter Claudia said. “Taking a few minutes to vote can have a major effect on everyone’s quality of life.”
For many Chicago voters, school board races were a central concern. Across the country, voters also said they were casting ballots in hopes of improving the economy.
“Everything around us matters—the cost of food, gas prices, homelessness, children and our communities,” voter Sandra Cruz said.
Some voters faced longer waits than expected.
“I’ve lived in this neighborhood and voted at this location for 16 years, and I’ve never seen it this crowded,” voter Christian Feaman said.
Illinois polls opened at 6 a.m. and were scheduled to close at 7 p.m.
Voters encountering problems at their assigned precinct can go to any of the city’s 51 supersite voting locations.
Anyone still in line when polls close at 7 p.m. must be allowed to vote.
Mail-in ballots postmarked by Tuesday may be counted for up to two weeks after Election Day. Voters who still have a mail ballot are encouraged to return it at a polling location.
