To election day helpers: thank you

I would like to commend the election judges, Willard Helander and staff at the Lake County clerk's office, and the staff at Libertyville Township for their extraordinary efforts during this election.

As Libertyville Township clerk, I have been awed by the election process and the great country and county that we live in. There is so much involved in running an election, and it takes a collective effort from all of the municipalities and citizens involved.

The county clerk's office takes their leadership in this process very seriously, the election judges assigned to Early Voting and Super Tuesday acted with kindness and extreme integrity. Especially in a primary, the election process can be confusing, and I heard and witnessed many of the judges helping people understand the process, as well as people in our township office, such as Gloria Dail.

I would like to name some of the election judges we worked with for the past three weeks who performed their jobs with dignity, class and diligence: Bruce Zifka and Diane Tillman, Marty and Janet Padilla, Deb Livingstone and Margaret Barton, Roger and Chris on Election Day, and many others, including students from Libertyville High School and Carmel.

It is a combined effort of people in our community and compassionate leaders who truly take their civic duties seriously.

I would also like to mention some people who were always available with answers from Willard Helander's office such as Maryann Potter, Debra Nieto and Luke Stowe. They were at the ready, and happy to help in the most sincere and non-patronizing manner.

This is a great country, whoever you voted for, I am so proud to be a part of this process, and it is very exciting that this time around we increased our voter turnout -- 38 percent -- despite the crazy weather -- thank you for the privilege to serve this great county. I am so proud.

Anne Hansen

Libertyville Township clerk