As early voting in Chicago comes to a close, the Loop Supersite in downtown Chicago saw a surge in turnout Monday morning, with lines wrapping around the block as eager voters gathered to cast their ballots. Among those first in line were sisters Valeria and Fabiola Alvarado Berrios, recent transplants from Puerto Rico and first-time voters, who arrived an hour-and-a-half before doors opened.
“It’s very important to be heard and just say what we want at this time,” Valeria shared, noting the significance of their first vote on the mainland. The sisters’ early arrival paid off, as within 30 minutes, the line stretched down to the next street, with some voters reportedly waiting up to three hours to get inside.
Preparedness was key for Valeria and Fabiola, who arrived with practice ballots in hand. “We still did our civic duty to make sure each candidate is qualified,” Valeria explained. Both sisters hope their commitment to informed voting will inspire their peers to take part. Chicago’s younger voters, especially Gen Z-ers under 25, have shown low early voting numbers, making up just 4% of the early vote turnout according to the Chicago Board of Elections.
“I’m afraid that whatever happens tomorrow and with whoever wins might have an impact on how I feel safe here,” Fabiola expressed, noting the weight of her first voting experience amid a near deadlock between candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, which has stirred unease among many Chicagoans.
The Loop Supersite, which has been one of the busiest early voting locations, will remain open until 7 p.m. Monday.
Source: ABC7