Crystal Lake-Cary Election Guide: Top Races, Polling Places and More

It’s finally almost time.

Election Day in McHenry County should be a busy one. And the presidential race between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton is not the only one to watch. Several congressional and senate seats will be up for election across Chicagoland. Local seats and various referendum questions will also appear on some voters ballots.

With the hopes of making your voting experience as seamless as possible, we’ve included information below and answers to the top election-related questions many voters often have.

Where is My Polling Place? How can I view a sample ballot?

The McHenry County Clerk’s Office website allows you to look up your polling place and check out what candidates will appear on your ballot. You can do so by using the county clerk’s website.

When can I vote on Election Day?

The polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.

What about Early Voting?
Early voting has been a popular option this election season. You can vote early through the end of the day on Monday, Nov. 7 at all 10 early voting sites in McHenry County. Hours vary at each of the sites and a full list of early voting sites, and those sites hours of operation, can be found on the McHenry County Clerk’s Office website.

More information about early voting can be found here.

For more voting information, visit the McHenry County Clerk's Office website.

Races to Watch

Mark Kirk vs. Tammy Duckworth: U.S. Senate Race's High Stakes Have Kept Campaigns in High Gear

Political observers knew the race to fill the Illinois U.S. Senate seat up for election this year would be contentious, given how important it is to both parties. But the battle between incumbent Republican Sen. Mark Kirk and his challenger, Rep. Tammy Duckworth, has almost beeen as fiery and brutal as the presidential race between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

Munger vs. Mendoza: A Big-Money Fight for Comptroller as Illinois Faces Crushing Debt and Unpaid Bills

Leslie Munger, 60, of Lincolnshire, and Susana Mendoza, 44, of Chicago, are angling for your votes in a special election for comptroller. Munger, a Republican, was appointed to the post by the governor in January 2015 after Topinka's death. Mendoza, twice elected to the Chicago city clerk's post, served six terms in the General Assembly.

McHenry County Voters to Choose Chairman for 1st Time: Michael Walkup vs. Jack Franks

For the first time in history, local voters will decide which of two officeholders is best suited for McHenry County Board Chairman.

Lawyers Patrick Kenneally and Ray Flavin Face Off: McHenry County State’s Attorney

Looking to become McHenry County’s top prosecutor are Assistant State’s Attorney Patrick Kenneally and Woodstock lawyer Ray Flavin.

6th Congressional District: Attorney Taking on 5-Term Incumbent

Republican Rep. Peter Roskam will try to hold onto his seat for a sixth term against Democratic challenger Amanda Howland.

Transportation Funding at Center of Amendment on Ballot in Illinois

Voters across Illinois will decide if tax money related to transportation will be earmarked for transportation needs.

Villages of Fox River Grove, Cary and Lakewood Advisory Referendums

The following advisory referendum will appear on the ballots of voters in the villages of Cary, Fox River Grove and Lakewood: "Shall each taxing body located partially or wholly within the corporate limits of the Village of Cary/Fox River Grove/Lakewood be required to seek voter approval by referendum prior to increasing its annual total property tax levy?

City of Crystal Lake Advisory Referendum

Crystal Lake voters will be asked to vote yes or no to the following question:

Shall bonds in the amount of $30,100,000 be issued by the City of Crystal Lake, McHenry County, Illinois, on behalf of the Crystal Lake Public Library, for the purpose of constructing a replacement library building adjacent to the existing library and acquiring necessary furnishings and equipment, which amounts
to an estimated increase of $132 per year for a $200,000 market value home?

Did you experience problems at the polls in Crystal Lake or Cary? Long lines? Trouble finding your polling place? Whatever it is, we want to know. Text us your experiences by signing up for the Electionland Project. Just text ELECTIONLAND to 69866 to participate and tell us about your experience voting. We’ll find out what, if anything, went wrong in your district.

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