I was 101st at my polls. The most interesting thing was Diane McGuire arguing with the election judges because she was literally in front of the doors. She kept saying "We need to talk about this to the judges". Basically she was trying to get around the law and everybody in line asked who she was and they voted for her opposition! A retired schoolteacher should know the law!

Manny,

80% of the people don't read the Naperville Sun either internet or print. None of my relatives do. I had to call them all and urge them to vote. In some cases beg them to vote. In one case I had to give a 20 year old son 20 dollars to vote as he claimed he had no gas moneny to reach the election booth. I gave him the money at the polling station to make sure he made it. Two of his friends that were in the car with him ended up voting only because they did not want to wait in the car. Bascially I got my relatives to vote but without the urging, encouragement and the money they would be part of the 80% or maybe even 85% in some districts.

Yes, it is sad that 80% of the residents are not even willing to vote. My polling station staff said in my district only 14% showed up this year. They were twirling their thumbs in disbelief this year and were wondering where everyone was.

I think the local media was part of the problem. They did not really cover the elections till the last 2 weeks. It is really hard to learn about so many candidates in such a short time.

I share your frustration, Manny.

I just read that both Will and DuPage counties each had less than 20% voter turnout. This is unbelievable, actually, when there are daily articles about the candidates and daily blogs regarding the school boards, city council, park board, et al.

In this economic climate and when we have issues in our schools (in both districts) where taxpayers so vocally express their displeasure, where are the voters? There are plenty of candidates and there is so much information out there about them, there is no excuse NOT to take the time to educate yourself on the issues and get out there and cast your vote. The ten minutes it takes is a worthwhile investment in the next several years, don't you think?

So I honestly want to hear from someone in the 80% who didn't vote... WHY?

I voted around 4:00 this afternoon and my polling place was nearly empty. It's disappointing that in this economy, with the state of our school district(s) and city council, you would think the taxpayers would be out in droves to pony up their opinion and hopefully make a statement. WHERE WERE YOU PEOPLE?!?!?!

Voted at Fifth Avenue Station around 6:15 pm. Nobody in line so I got right through (there were a couple of people voting though). The experience and the people were nice.

Has anybody else noticed that "Anti-Establishment vs. Establishment"'s endorsements happen to be exactly the same as Richard Furstenau's (he sent them out in a letter to many Naperville residents)?

Coincidence?

Well if anything, Furstenau's endorsements are more of a liability than an asset...

no problems voting. very disappointing at the low turn out. this is where the money hits the road in June and Septemeber when we pay the taxes and 2 or 3 out of ten voters cast ballots today. these elections are every bit as important as the national elections.

Was #86 at 4PM at my polling place today. With all the rending of clothes, gnashing of teeth and rolling in the ashes that took place over the Metea mess, I expected a bigger turnout. Either these folks took advantage of early voting or have since gotten a life and moved on. I suppose that's healthy, but many of the folks that didn't bother to vote today will probably be the first to complain when a decision is made that they don't like. I suppose that's just the way we are.

Voted at City Hall this afternoon.

Clean, Efficient, Friendly

It was uneventful. I arrived about 2 pm and when I walked in there were no other voters in the place. I wish we had some better candidates to choose from, although there seem to be some fairly good ones. No incumbants this time, taxes are through the roof.

@anonymous- It's the only way they can win when their platform of fear and intolerance failed so miserably in the fall.

Just went and voted, barely over 100 people had voted at my polling place as of around 3 PM. I'm pretty disappointed with the lack of involvement, but, I suppose people would rather just complain about things than inconvenience themselves with the five minutes it takes to vote. As usual all the people involved in administering the election were helpful and friendly. When I was almost done voting a second person walked in and one of the old guys said this was the busiest they've been all day- This struck me as remarkably depressing.

With all the people over the course of modern history who have fought and died in the pursuit of democracy and equality, it's downright embarrassing how few people care enough to sign their name and fill in some bubbles on a ballot. I don't mean to be dramatic, but come on. There is no excuse.

Here are my endorsements again. These anti-establishment gentleman will watch your money like it is coming out of their own wallets.

Doug Krause

Patty Gustin

Paul Hinterlong

Charles Schneider

2 YEARS:

Kevin Lynch

##########################################################################################################

Some very Establishment Candidates that the caring taxapayers need to avoid at all costs. They will raise your taxes. Kenn Miller and Jim Boyajian have voted raises for city employees this year while most of us had no raises, pay-cuts or lost our job. These raises and other wasteful spending increases our real estate taxes. Judith Brodhead is very establishment and will do as she is ordered in return for the pension she will receive if elected.

Kenn Miller

Judith Brodhead

Jim Boyajian

#2 this AM. Just me and some crickets at around 6:30. Some dude was campaigning for Bolingbrook write-in mayor too close to the door.

Felt like I was at a Sox game......no line, no waiting and attendance very low.

Local elections don`t really matter to the majority of Napervillians. The few shall rule the masses. Things of interest to the voters should be put on referendums and let the majority prevail instead of a handful of politicians with their own agendas make the decisions. Throw em all out and start fresh. This Furstneau law suit and all says it all. Spending what is not theirs to spend without results.Look what those funds could have been used for.

100 voters so far at my polling place at 1 pm

Arrived at my polling place right around 7:00 am. Shook hands with both of the Township Supervisor candidates (who were standing a ways from the door). There were 7 paper ballot booths and one electronic. I was asked if I wanted an electronic or paper ballot. I chose the electronic option. I had to wait about 5 minutes while a gentleman in front of me finished voting and then it was my turn. A couple more people came in to vote before or while I was leaving.

Thank you Naperville Sun for info on the candidates these past several weeks. I used it and personal experiences with City Councilmen to make my voting decisions.

I was there at 8:30 this morning and there was no one in front of me and one person behind me. A very low turnout...it will be interesting to see who wins!

I voted at 7:30- No line and both Township Supervisor candidates eagerly waiting to shake my hand. As far as it being 'ok' for a candidates wife to work the polls- -It depends what you mean by that. If you mean a candidate's wife standing in front of a polling place (100+feet away), and asking that you remember her husband and vote for him- - That's fine. Anyone can do that for a candidate, really. If the wife is a pollwatcher or other election employee; she CANNOT wear campaign-related clothing, buttons or badges or in any other way ask for voters to consider her husband.

I was at the poll at 7:30 this morning - no one in front of me and only one right behind.

One question - does anyone know - is it "OK" for a candidate's wife to be working the polls?

8:30 and the 35th voter. Compare to presidential election and being around 200th by the same time.

Super low turnout so far.

On the upside, no waiting!!