This story was originally published by City Bureau on September 2, 2020.
The citywide primary turnout was 38 percent, according to the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, a bit higher than the final turnout during the 2018 March primary at 32 percent. To prepare for an expected high turnout in November, election officials are now taking steps to secure safe voting locations with more space, promote mail-in voting, and push for the early recruitment of younger election judges to avoid another shortage.
Okere is part of a network of organizations and officials across the city pushing to recruit young and multilingual election judges to prevent the chaos that occurred during the March primary, while also expanding language access for those who need it.
Antunez also let the Cook County Clerk’s office know he can serve at polling places where Spanish speakers are needed.
To her, that’s part of making sure that “COVID isn’t an excuse for voter suppression.” v
