Orland Township a Hub Activity

As an early voting site, Orland Township welcomed residents from the Township and all over suburban Cook County who were eager to cast their ballots for the November election, according to the office of Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady.

Since Monday, Oct. 19, Cook County residents have lined up, regardless of the weather, to cast their votes. With more than 1,000 individuals entering the Township building each day, health and safety is a high priority. Social distancing markers and mask wearing requirements are in place along with hourly cleaning and disinfecting of high traffic areas and hand sanitizer stations available thought the building.

According to the Cook County Clerk’s website (cookcountyclerk.com), as of Oct. 28, more than 11,000 voters have visited Orland Township the first week of early voting. That total does not include the number of individuals who have utilized the mail-in ballot drop box, which O’Grady received permission from the Clerk’s Office to set-up outside as a drive-thru to lessen some of the pedestrian traffic in and around the building. By comparison, according to the Cook County Clerk’s website, during the 2016 Presidential election, a total of 14,280 voters visited Orland Township during the two weeks of early voting and during the 2012 Presidential election, 13,312 individuals voted early at Orland Township.

Prior to the beginning of early voting, Township staff placed directional signs around the Township building and painted social distancing markers on the sidewalks outside the building to aid in foot traffic direction and proper distancing between residents. Additionally, Township staff have been directing residents to the proper parking areas and building entrances for the business that brings them to the facility. Supervisor O’Grady has also asked staff to be alert and to escort seniors and others with mobility issues to the front of the line to alleviate any discomfort they would have from standing outside for any length of time.

“No matter the need, Orland Township staff has risen to the occasion to make everyone’s visit to our facility as pleasant as possible,” said Supervisor O’Grady. “I am very proud of my staff for the way they have worked together to make sure everything is running smoothly, both inside and outside the building.

“It’s great to see so many residents come out and do their civic duty by exercising their right to vote,” added Supervisor O’Grady. “I want to thank everyone who has visited the Township for their patience, understanding and compliments to my hardworking staff – your positive comments make everything we are doing worthwhile.”

Early voting continues through Monday, Nov. 2. Voting hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.