Low turnout continues trend in McLean County primary

NORMAL, Ill. – Voter turnout in this week’s primary election in McLean County fell well below expectations, continuing a years-long trend of declining participation.

McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael said turnout was approximately 22%, not including the city of Bloomington, which operates under a separate election jurisdiction.

“It was one of the lowest turnouts that we can recall,” Michael said. “I believe it was 22%, and remember that doesn’t include the city of Bloomington, because we have two election jurisdictions. So that’s everything but the city of Bloomington, and I think their figures were close to ours as well.”

The low turnout did not come as a complete surprise. Primary election participation has steadily declined since 2014, dropping by roughly 2% each cycle, according to Michael.

She attributed the decrease in part to lower engagement compared to presidential elections and a lack of highly contested races.

“People are just more engaged in a presidential, and there weren’t a lot of knockdown, drag-out fights, for lack of a better phrase, in this one,” Michael said. “There were a few contested races, but not a lot.”

Michael also noted that some voters were unaware the election was taking place.

“I just had a longtime election judge tell me this morning that they had people coming in kind of at the last minute, saying we forgot there was an election,” she said.

Timing may have also contributed to the low turnout. Early voting coincided with Illinois State University’s spring break, meaning many students were off campus. Election Day also fell on St. Patrick’s Day this year.

Despite lower participation overall, local high school students played a significant role in the election process.

“We had more high school judges or students sign up to be judges than ever,” Michael said. “I think it was close to 60, so the high schools, the history teachers and the students were more engaged than ever.”

Election results are available on the McLean County clerk’s website. The office can also be reached by phone or email for questions.

Michael praised election judges and staff for their work in ensuring a smooth process.

“I’d love to give a big thank you,” she said. “As always, our election judges are loyal and dedicated. They show up for a very long day. They’re not getting rich. They do get paid, thankfully, and they have food days.

“So we thank the election judges and the hardworking staff, who work nearly every weekend for at least a month and 18 hours a day and never complain, because we know how important elections are to the nation, the state and our county.”

For the latest news and weather updates, tune in to 103.3 WZND or visit WZND.com.