Early Voting Draws Big Crowds in Arlington Heights

The line of early voters spilled out into the main entrance of Village Hall Thursday. “We’re second only to Chicago,” Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene Mulder said, “Our numbers are great.”

A record-breaking turnout, a steady flow of people poured into the polls at 33 S. Arlington Heights Road everyday this week.

Eager to vote, crowds of people hit the polls to cast their ballots early this year. According to the Cook County Clerk’s office, in just four days more than 3,000 people have already voted in Arlington Heights.

• Monday, Oct 22 – 658 voted
• Tuesday, Oct. 23 - 822 voted
• Wednesday, Oct 24 - 804 voted
• Thursday, Oct 25 - 820 voted 

Inching toward the polls, early voters said they’d rather vote sooner than later. Patiently waiting in line one man said, “If you think this is bad, just wait for election day.”

With a photo ID, registered voters in Cook County can cast their ballots early in the Buechner Room on the first floor of Village Hall. Polls are open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

Early voting started Monday, Oct. 22 and ends Saturday, Nov. 3, the election will be held Tuesday, November 6. 

If you are unable to get to your polling place on Election Day or to cast your ballot in-person during early voting, you can also vote by mail. For an Absentee Ballot, voters must submit a request form for an absentee ballot to Cook County. The last day applications are accepted is November 1, 2012. The ballots are then mailed to the voter. 

Voters may get this form online by clicking here or at the Village Clerk’s Office, located on the first floor of Village Hall. The last day Absentee Ballots are accepted is November 5, 2012.