With conventions in rearview mirror, Illinois’ parties work to get out the vote

[August 27, 2024]  By Greg Bishop | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – With the national parties’ conventions over, it’s a mad dash to the general election finish line. Leaders from both of Illinois’ major political parties are laying out their get-out-the-vote efforts.

Democrats officially nominated Kamala Harris for president last week in Chicago. Republicans nominated Donald Trump in Milwaukee last month. The Illinois State Board of Elections certified the ballot Friday that included keeping independent candidate Robert Kennedy on. Kennedy has now endorsed Trump, taking his name off battleground states’ ballots while staying on in states like Illinois where it could negatively impact Harris.

Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez wasn’t aware of any concern that’d impact things. She said Democrat boots are on the ground now.

“We are really making a conscious effort,” said Hernandez, D-Cicero. “We really tried to think of everything imaginable to prepare us to be ready.”

Senate Minority Leader John Curran, R-Downers Grove, said Republicans are in a growth phase with a big tent.

“Voters are moving towards us,” Curran told The Center Square. “They have had enough of the constant corruption in Cook County and the city of Chicago all run by Democrats.”

Ernie Journeys | Unsplash

Frederick Walls, a Republican running for a statehouse seat in Chicago, said the state Republican party needs to put in resources to advertise for his and other Republican races in Democratic districts.

“In 2022, I ran, and I was knocking on doors that where they had already mailed in their ballot because they didn’t know … me, but I could only reach so many houses walking door to door,” Walls told The Center Square.

Curran said outreach and support to such candidates is a work in progress.

“The city of Chicago, Cook County, this is an area where we are growing more of a presence, we need to, that work is ongoing right now,” Curran said.

The Democratic Party of Illinois has $1.4 million cash on hand after Gov. J.B. Pritzker donated half a million earlier this month. The Illinois Republican Party has $745,000.

Early voting for the Nov. 5 election begins Sept. 26.

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