Polling Places for the 2016 General Election open across the state at 6 a.m. today and will remain open until 7 p.m. tonight. Illinoisans have two Federal Races to vote for including the Office of the President of the United States being contested by Democrat Hilary Clinton, Republican Donald Trump, Libertarian Gary Johnson, and Green Party Candidate Jill Stein. The race is also on for a spot in the the United States Senate. Candidates include Democrat Tammy Duckworth, Republican Mark Kirk, Libertarian Kenton McMillen, and Green Party Scott Summers. On the state level the office of the Comptroller is up for grabs by candidates Democrat Susan Mendoza, Republican Leslie Geissler Munger, Libertarian Claire Ball, and Green Party Tim Curtin. Illinois Residents will also vote on an amendment to the Illinois Constitution that guarantees that fees and taxes related to transportation will only used for state transportation projects.
On the local level many Republicans including Representative John Shimkus, State Senator Dale Righter and State Representatives John Cavaletto and David Reis have no Democratic competition. Effingham County State’s Attorney Republican Bryan Kibler, however, is facing Democratic opponent Lupita Thompson. Most Effingham County Board Republicans are running unopposed as well with the notable exception of two candidates vying for the District E. seat. Independent Mike DePoister is hoping to hold onto to his seat versus Republican challenger John Perry. Controversy arose after DePoister was denied from seeking the seat as an Independent by an Effingham County Election Commission due to an Illinois Statute barring candidates from running Independent after taking a Republican Ballot in the Primary. However a judge overturned the rule as “unconstitutional,” ordering that DePoister be added back to the ballot.