Fewer voters are turning out on each day of early voting in this year’s election in Evanston compared to two years ago.
And, with early voting offered on five fewer days this year, it appears the total early vote this year will be far below the total of 1,265 two years ago.
As of 10 o’clock this morning, the turnout in Evanston totalled 561 voters. The daily average so far is running just under 55 voters this year, compared to almost 62 voters on the average day in 2011 — a drop of about 12 percent.
Voting numbers did pick up in the last few days of early voting two years ago, and there’s some sign of an increase in numbers this week as the April 6 deadline approaches.
Eighty-six voters cast ballots yesterday, compared to 45 on the first day, March 25.
But total early voting turnout last time was nearly three percent of Evanston’s more than 44,000 registered voters, and it seems likely it will be less than half that this year.
In 2011 voters faced contested elections for both the District 65 and District 202 school boards — but no city races.
This year voters only have a choice of candidates in the District 202 school race. But they also have contested races for three city council seats and for township supervisor.
For voters who don’t choose to participate in early voting, election day is next Tuesday, April 9.