With the Nov. 3 General Election just around the corner, Clinton County voters will have plenty of decisions to make as they head to the polls.
From a closely watched race for Illinois governor to contested Clinton County Board seats, voters will decide a wide range of federal, state and local races, along with a public question concerning a proposed new fire station in Wheatfield Township (see related story at right).
Among the races drawing attention is the contest to replace longtime U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, who announced his retirement in early 2025.
Three candidates are seeking Durbin's seat: Democrat Juliana Stratton, currently Illinois' lieutenant governor; Republican Don Tracy; and Whitfield Harrington Jr., representing the American Center Party.
In the 12th Congressional District, incumbent Republican Mike Bost faces a challenge from Democrat Julie Fortier.
Five statewide contests
on ballot
At the state level, five contested races will appear on the ballot, with the governor's race expected to draw considerable interest.
Incumbent Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker and his running mate, Christian Mitchell, (who replaces Stratton in this position), face opposition from Republican Darren Bailey and his running mate Aaron B. Del Mar, along with independent candidates Collin Corbett and Carolyn Schofield.
In the race for Illinois attorney general, incumbent Democrat Kwame Raoul faces 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 state comptroller's position. Incumbent Democrat Susan A. Mendoza is not seeking re-election.
Incumbent State Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs, a Democrat, is being challenged by Republican Max Solomon.
Write-in options are also available in the governor, comptroller and treasurer contests.
State representatives
running unopposed
Clinton County voters will not see any contested races for the Illinois General Assembly.
Two incumbent Republican state representatives are running unopposed: Charlie Meier in the 109th District and Blaine Wilhour in the 110th District.
Two County Board districts
feature contested races
At the county level, voters in two Clinton County Board districts will have a choice of candidates, while several other county offices will be decided without opposition.
Republican Dennis Perez is the sole candidate for Clinton County sheriff, following the announcement by current Sheriff Dan Travous that he would retire.
Meanwhile, incumbent Republicans Vicky Albers, county clerk, and Denise Trame, county treasurer, are both seeking re-election without opposition.
In County Board District 1, four candidates are seeking two open seats.
Democrats Henry F. Bergmann and Denise Lueking will face incumbent Republican Nelson Heinzmann, the board's current vice chairman, and Republican Adam Maue.
Incumbent Ken Knolhoff is not seeking re-election.
In County Board District 2, three candidates are seeking two seats. Democrat Linda Mensing is challenging incumbent Republicans Bradley Knolhoff, the current board chairman, and Jeff Crisel.
County Board District 3 features two Republican candidates running unopposed for two seats. Incumbent Michael Strieker is seeking another term, while newcomer Craig Robke is seeking his first term on the board. Incumbent Mike Hilmes is not seeking re-election.
In County Board District 4, incumbent Republican Michael Rakers is running unopposed for the district's single open seat.
Incumbent Republican Curt Haselhorst also is running unopposed for the one open seat in County Board District 5.
Regional superintendent
running unopposed
Republican John Consolino, the current regional superintendent of schools for Clinton, Jefferson, Marion and Washington counties, is running unopposed for another term.
Judicial races and retention
questions
Two judicial candidates are running unopposed in the Nov. 3 election.
Republican Amy E. Sholar is the sole candidate for Fifth Judicial District Appellate Court judge, seeking to fill the vacancy left by the Hon. Thomas M. Welch.
Republican Brenda Mathis is also running unopposed for Fourth Judicial Circuit judge, seeking to fill the vacancy left by the Hon. Douglas L. Jarman.
In addition, voters will be asked whether to retain several sitting judges.
Fifth District Appellate Court Judge John B. Barberis Jr. is seeking retention, along with Fourth Judicial Circuit Judges Stanley M. Brandmeyer, Martin W. Siemer and Joel J.C. Powless.
Voters will cast a "yes" or "no" vote on each judge's retention.
Wheatfield Township voters to decide $1.1 million
bond issue
One local question on the ballot could have a lasting impact on fire protection services in Wheatfield Township.
Voters within the Wheatfield Township Fire Protection District will decide whether to authorize the issuance of $1.1 million in general obligation bonds to construct, equip and furnish a new fire station.
The question on the ballot reads:
"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?"
Residents will be asked to vote "yes" or "no" on the proposal.
For more information about the proposed fire station and the district's need for a new facility, see the related story on page 1A.
Early voting continued through Nov. 2
Clinton County voters do not have to wait until Election Day to cast their ballots.
Early voting began Sept. 24 at the Clinton County Clerk's Office in the Clinton County Courthouse in Carlyle and will continue through Monday, Nov. 2.
Early voting hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., except holidays.
The County Clerk's Office will also offer additional voting hours on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Although the regular voter registration deadline at the County Clerk's Office was Oct. 6, residents who missed that deadline or need to update their registration can still take advantage of grace period registration and voting.
Grace period voting began Oct. 7 and continues through Nov. 2. Those utilizing this option must register and cast their ballot on the same day at the County Clerk's Office.
For those planning to vote on Election Day, polling places throughout Clinton County will be open Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.™
Voters can find their assigned polling locations and additional election information through the Clinton County website at www.clintonco.illinois.gov.
Unofficial election results also will be available through the county's website on election night.
