Rauner votes early in Arlington Heights, keeps choices to himself
Like many across the state, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner is a fan of early voting.
Rauner and his wife, Diana Rauner, cast their votes for the upcoming primary Sunday at the Cook County early voting location in Arlington Heights village hall.
"Early voting is wonderful, because you can pick your day and your time that's most convenient for you," he said.
Rauner declined to say who earned his vote and has not publicly endorsed any of the GOP's presidential hopefuls ahead of the March 15 primary.
He did, however, encourage everyone to vote, whether early, on March 15 or by mail.
"This is our democratic duty. It's our democratic right," he said. "It is what makes American democracy work. Get out and vote and have your voice be heard.
"Voting is important. A lot of critical issues are going on, both in our state and in our nation," added Rauner, who attended services at First Korean United Methodist Church in Wheeling before voting in Arlington Heights.
Although he's a Winnetka resident, anyone living in suburban Cook County can vote at any of the Cook County Clerk's 43 early voting locations until March 14.
The Rauners greeted several members of the public before voting, including Arlington Heights resident Joe Favia and his 14-year-old daughter, Alexis.
"We didn't know he was coming until I saw the (television) cameras," Favia said.
When Alexis told the first lady that she was too young to vote, Diana Rauner said her 17-year-old daughter would be voting for the first time in this election.
Not everyone who stayed to see the governor expressed approval of his performance.
"You have to make a deal. So make a deal with Madigan," said Arlington Heights resident Donald Meersman. "Get on it. He thinks that he is going to outwait Madigan, and it's not going to work. Madigan can wait."
Turnout in Arlington Heights on Sunday was healthy, according to officials. Election judge George Locallo said about 125 to 150 voters had cast ballots by 1 p.m.
Clerk David Orr previously said a record number of voters had cast ballots during the first two days of early voting last week.