Durkin Projected Winner Over Democrat Tom Chlystek

LEMONT, IL — Incumbent Jim Durkin is the projected winner of the Illinois House 82nd District race. Durkin will serve another term in office after defeating Democrat Tom Chlystek on Tuesday.

Durkin is a Western Springs resident and has been serving in his position since 2006. According to his website, Durkin wants to cut wasteful spending and balance the budget, deliver property tax relief and keep the streets safe.

"We need to truly balance the budget for the first time in nearly a decade without gimmicks or additional burdens on Illinois families and businesses," Durkin shares on his website. "That’s the only way we can reverse the exodus out of Illinois and encourage job creation here."

Election Results

With 91 out of 91 precincts reporting:

• Durkin - 28,739
• Chlystek - 17,500

Return to Patch tonight for the latest vote tally. Subscribe to free News Alerts for election results. The polls open at 6 a.m. Tuesday and close at 7 p.m. NOTE: Tuesday's results are unofficial and do not include provisional and late absentee ballots.

Chlystek is currently the 4th ward alderman in Darien. In January, he shared a post on Patch announcing his intent to run for State Representative.

"I have spent my entire professional career working as an engineer solving problems," he posted on Patch. "As Alderman for the City of Darien I have helped clean up the downtown area, bring in new business while simultaneously maintaining a balanced budget."

According to Chlystek's website, his beliefs include: fighting for clean air, holding Sterigenics accountable, banning ethylene oxide in the community, gun safety and protecting education to make sure all the community's schools are the best in the country.

The 82nd District includes parts of Western Springs, La Grange, Willowbrook, Burr Ridge, Darien, Lemont and Homer Glen.

Remember: You cannot vote online in Illinois (or anywhere else in the U.S., for that matter), and anyone who says otherwise is lying.

Know your voting rights

If you're already registered to vote, you do not need to show your ID in order to cast your ballot — you only need to state your name and address. However, there are limited circumstances in which a voter can be asked for identification, including those who are registering on Election Day, and those voting for the first time after registering by mail. But even in those instances, a voter without ID may cast a provisional ballot, according to the ACLU of Illinois.

People with criminal records in Illinois — including felonies — are eligible to vote once they have completed their sentences (but should re-register to vote upon their release). That includes people who are on probation or parole. Those who have been arrested or charged with a crime but not convicted can also vote, including many of those being held in county jail.