CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Early voting in downtown Chicago began Thursday morning, with hundreds of eager voters flocking to Clark and Lake Streets to make their voices heard.
Voters who spoke to WBBM highlighted several issues that are important to them this election. On their minds: reproductive rights and women's rights.
"Yeah, just really making sure my rights don't get stripped away," said 20-year-old Brielle Ward. "That's the main reason I'm here."
Said Hanna Wade, another voter: "I don't know why the government thinks they have the right to speak about that, and tell me what to do with my body. I think as a young, adult woman it's important that I get out there and have my vote mean something."
Wade added that she was more focused "on the social aspects of this election."
Alexis Anderson, who said she's transgender and part of the LGBTQ community, told WBBM she doesn't want the government making choices for her regarding her vote and her body.
From left to right: Hanna Wade, Brielle Ward and Alexis Anderson, who all cast a ballot on the first day of early voting in Chicago for the 2024 general election.Carolina Garibay
As for the turnout, Chicago Board of Election Commissioners Chairwoman Marisel Hernandez said it was encouraging to see an increase in early voting so far.
"Given that there is so much interest in this election, we think this is going to be sustained [and] that there's going to be an increase in early voting and vote-by-mail," Hernandez said.
Do you have a plan to vote in the 2024 general election? Get prepared with WBBM's Illinois voters guide.
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