Illinois voters vote early

Posted on November 3, 2016
polling place
Twelve percent of Illinois’ 8 million registered voters have already cast ballots ahead of the Nov. 8 election. (WJBC file photo)

By RFD Radio/WFMB

SPRINGFIELD – Less than a week before the election, candidates might focus on the undecided vote in close races.

In 2016, many Illinoisans haven’t just decided on their favorite candidates, they’ve already voted.

Illinois State Board of Elections records show 12 percent of Illinois’ record 8 million registered voters have already cast ballots. Early voting in person, voting by mail and voters using grace period registration are key factors. Most of the one million Illinoisans who have already cast ballots voted in person. Four years ago, nearly 16 percent of registered voters voted early.

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