Wayne County voters will head to the polls today for the General Election, although there are no contested races for countywide offices or seats on the Wayne County Board.
While local races are uncontested, voters will have several choices in statewide and congressional elections.
One of the most closely watched statewide contests features Republican Darren Bailey of Xenia challenging incumbent Democratic Governor JB Pritzker, who is seeking a third term in office.
Bailey, a former state senator, is making another bid for governor after losing to Pritzker in the 2022 election. Independent candidate Collin Corbett is also on the ballot.
In the race for Illinois’ 12th Congressional District, incumbent Republican Congressman Mike Bost is being challenged by Democrat Julie Fortier.
Illinois voters will also select a new United States senator to replace retiring Democrat Dick Durbin. The candidates include Democrat Juliana Stratton, Republican Don Tracy, and Whitfield Harrington Jr. of the American Center Party.
At the county level, all candidates appearing on the ballot are Republicans running without opposition.
The uncontested countywide candidates include Yvette Anderson for County Treasurer, Amy Sager for Supervisor of Assessments, Kyle Ellis for State’s Attorney, Ryan Best for Coroner, Christopher Otey for Sheriff, Margaret Ellen Sitzes for Circuit Clerk, and Billie-Jo “BJ” Townsend for County Clerk.
There are also no contested races for the Wayne County Board.
Candidates appearing on the ballot include Chad Edmison in District 1, Randy Hedrick in District 2, Eddie Barbre in District 3, Cody Ehrhart in District 4, Liz Ann Woodrow in District 5, and Gene Kollak in District 7.
No candidate filed for the District 6 seat.
Wayne County voters are also reminded that polling locations have changed for three precincts.
Voters in Lamard 2, Big Mound 1, and Big Mound 2 will now cast their ballots at Cumberland Presbyterian Church, located at 1700 Outer West Delaware Street in Fairfield.
Polls throughout Wayne County will be open today from 6am until 7pm. Also, polls in Edwards County will be open from 6am until 7pm.
Anyone with questions about polling locations or election procedures may contact the Wayne County Clerk’s Office at 618-842-5182 and over in Edwards County, contact the Clerk’s Office at 618-445-2115.