Springfield, Illinois – Today, we spoke with Sangamon County Clerk, Don Gray, regarding staffing at polling locations and the prediction of voter turnout.
“Started at a slow pace, but slowly increased,”said Gray when discussing his observation of voter turnout.
Gray said that voter turnout for Sangamon County is usually at 30-45 percent, but says we will not reach that number. “If we reach 15 percent, that will be extraordinary.”
Utilizing social media to seek additional election judges for today’s primary elections, Gray said that all polling places were adequately staffed. “We did not have to shut down 1 polling place.”
With the outbreak of COVID-19 in Illinois, Gray said a safe, clean and healthy polling place location was their top priority for today’s election. “All polling locations were equipped with Liquid hand sanitizing gel, and poll workers were instructed to disinfect all surfaces that voters would come in contact with in the polling place, such as poll booths, pens and the check in areas. The election equipment was also sanitized when it was set up and the poll booths were distanced 6 feet from each other.”
All throughout the day, Gray also documented his visits on Facebook to various polling locations. In one Facebook post, he wrote, “Update (12:30). Chatham Votes! The teamwork by poll workers has been amazing. I am taken back by our youth that stepped up to serve today in our moment of greatest need! I feel great about the future of our elections.”
(Click this link to view various polling places that Sangamon County Clerk Don Gray visited)