Polls in McHenry County staying open late
All polls in McHenry County will be open until 8:30 p.m. today because of an election polling problem earlier in the day, according to clerk Mary McClellan.
When polls opened at 6 a.m., McClellan said, there were isolated problems with some electronic poll books experiencing glitches throughout the county, including in Chemung, Nunda, McHenry, Algonquin and Grafton townships.
Twelve locations were affected for about 15 minutes, she said.
"It was enough to stir the masses," she said. "We were able to overcome it and get everybody back on track."
State Rep. Jack Franks said he heard of several people being turned away from polling locations, but McClellan said that was unconfirmed.
McClellan and State's Attorney Lou Bianchi brought the issue to the circuit court, where an emergency motion was made to extend polling hours, Franks said.
"I didn't want to disenfranchise any voter," McClellan said.
About 3 p.m., information regarding the extended hours was posted on the county's Facebook and Twitter accounts, saying the circuit court "ordered polling stations remain open until 8:30 p.m. to accommodate those who were turned away this morning."
Election officials elsewhere in the suburbs haven't reported significant problems today as Illinoisans vote in an energetic primary election.
The polls close at 7 p.m.
Cook County clerk spokesman James Scalzitti said he's not heard of big lines in the suburbs and almost all polling places opened as scheduled at 6 a.m.
And in DuPage County, election commission Executive Director Bob Saar said polls have similarly opened smoothly
He said election judges trained to register voters at their polling places have had some minor issues with the technology, despite their training.
"When you get there with your cleats on, so to speak, it's a little different," he said.
And Kane County Clerk Jack Cunningham reported heavy turnout there.
Voters are picking presidential candidates, U.S. Senate candidates, members of Congress and the Illinois General Assembly, and a number of county offices.
• Daily Herald staff writer Lauren Rohr contributed to this story.