Early voting for the Nov. 3 General Election began last Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Clinton County Clerk’s Office. Voters will decide a wide array of federal, state and local races along with one public question.
Voters in Wheatfield Township will be asked to vote “yes” or “no” on a $1.1 million bond issue for a new fire station.
In the only Federal race, candidates are slated to replace longtime U.S. Senator Dick Durbin who announced his retirement in early 2025. Three candidates, Democrat Juliana Stratton (currently lieutenant governor), Republican Don Tracy and Whitfield Harrington Jr., who represents the American Center Party, are seeking Durbin’s seat.
In the 12th Congressional District, incumbent Republican Mike Bost is challenged by Democrat Julie Fortier.
Five state contests
At the state level, there are five contested races with the governor’s race expected to generate considerable voter turnout. Incumbent Democrat JB Pritzker and running mate Christian Mitchell (who replaces Stratton in this position) face opposition from Republicans Darren Bailey and Aaron B. Del Mar along with independent candidates Collin Corbett and Carolyn Schofield.
Incumbent Attorney General Kwame Raoul, a Democrat, is challenged by Republican Robert W. Fioretti.
For secretary of state, incumbent Democrat Alexi Giannoulias is defending his spot against Republican Diane M. Harris.
Two newcomers, Democrat Margaret Croke and Republican Bryan Drew, are seeking the comptroller’s position. Incumbent Democrat Susan A. Mendoza is not seeking re-election.
Incumbent Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs, a Democrat, is challenged by Republican Max Solomon.
There also are write-in candidates for three of the state contests.
No contested races for Illinois General Assembly in Clinton County
Two incumbents in the Illinois General Assembly are running unopposed for state representative. They are 109th District Republican Charlie Meier and 110th District Republican Blaine Wilhour.
County Board races exist in two districts
There are just two contested races at the county level in County Board Districts 1 and 2.
Republican Dennis Perez is the sole candidate for sheriff. Current Sheriff Dan Travous announced his retirement early last year. Republican incumbents, County Clerk Vicky Albers and Treasurer Denise Trame, are running unopposed.
In County Board District 1, four candidates are seeking two open seats. Democrats Henry F. Bergmann and Denise Lueking are on the ballot along with incumbent Republican Nelson Heinzmann (the board’s current vice chairman) and Republican Adam Maue. Incumbent Ken Knolhoff is not seeking re-election.
Three candidates are seeking two open seats in County Board District 2. On the ballot are Democrat Linda Mensing and incumbent Republican Bradley Knolhoff (current board chairman) and incumbent Republican Jeff Crisel.
Incumbent Republican Michael Strieker and newcomer Craig Robke, also a Republican, are running unopposed for the two open seats in County Board District 3. Incumbent Mike Hilmes is not seeking re-election.
Also running unopposed are incumbent Republican Michael Rakers in County Board District 4 and incumbent Republican Curt Haselhorst in County Board District 5. There is just one open seat in each of these districts.
Regional Board of Education
Republican John Consolino, the current Regional Superintendent of Schools, for Clinton, Jefferson, Marion and Washington Counties, is running unopposed and will retain his seat.
Judicial candidates running unopposed
Republican Amy E. Sholar is the sole candidate on the ballot for Fifth Judicial District Appellate Court Judge. She fills the vacancy of the Hon. Thomas M. Welch. Also running unopposed is Republican Brenda Mathis for Fourth Judicial Circuit Judge. Mathis will fill the vacancy of the Hon. Douglas L. Jarman.
Fifth District Appellate Court Judge John B. Berberis Jr. is seeking retention for his judicial seat. Three Fourth Judicial circuit judges, Stanley M. Brandmeyer, Martin W. Siemer and Joel J.C. Powless, also are seeking to retain their seats.
Proposition to issue bonds
Residents of Wheatfield Township in Clinton County will be asked to vote “yes” or “no” on a $1.1 million bond issue for a new fire station. The question is:
"Shall the Wheatfield Township Fire Protection District, Clinton County, Illinois, be authorized to issue its general obligation bonds in the principal amount of $1,100,000 for the purpose of constructing, equipping and furnishing a new fire station?”
Early voting dates
Early voting at the Clinton County Courthouse began Sept. 24 and continues through Nov. 2. Hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except holidays).
The last day to register to vote in the clerk’s office is Oct. 6; however, grace period voting runs from Oct. 7 to Nov. 2. This is an option for voters who missed the Oct. 6 registration deadline (or need to update their information). Voters will be required to register and vote on the same day in the County Clerk’s Office.
Election Day voting at the polls is on Nov. 3 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
