Voter turnout varied widely among Des Plaines wards

A lot of factors play into voter turnout - the quality of candidates, demographics of the electorate and even the weather on Election Day.

Several suburban candidates said a dreary, rainy Tuesday may have kept some voters at home.

In Des Plaines, about 18 percent of registered voters cast ballots in the city election. Within the four wards up for grabs, turnout varied considerably.

Residents in the 3rd Ward, where incumbent Alderman Denise Rodd defeated Gene Fregetto, led the way with about one-fourth of all registered voters showing up to the polls.

In second place, the 7th Ward had about 17 percent of voters cast ballots in the race, in which incumbent Alderman Don Smith beat Bob Porada.

An uncontested race in the 5th Ward featuring Carla Brookman, a former alderman and wife of the incumbent, had 13 percent of voters cast ballots.

In last, the 1st Ward - which easily had the highest number of registered voters for the election with 8,560 - turned out the fewest voters with 786, or 9 percent. Political newcomer Mark Lysakowski beat library board member Steven Mokry by 99 votes there, according to unofficial results.