Voter turnout decreased in McLean County in Tuesday's midterm election — the lowest turnout in 12 years.
Overall, 52.7% of registered voters in McLean County [including Bloomington] turned out to vote in this year's election. That's a decrease from 2022's midterm election [56.8%] and the lowest turnout since 2014 [49.2%].
Voter turnout started before Election Day. Over 24,000 voters in McLean County had already cast ballots before Tuesday, either by mail or in early in-person. That's 19% of voters.
Others waited until Election Day itself. Some Twin City voters told WGLT they hoped their vote could do a small part to change the direction of the country.
Ernest Aeilts, 79, is a Vietnam veteran who said he is worried about high prices.
“I worry more for the younger generation than the older,” said Aeilts, who voted at First Assembly of God church in Normal, the polling place for multiple precincts.
At a rally held in Iowa leading up to the election, President Trump told his supporters to “pretend I’m on the ballot.” Aeilts said he did.
“I don't think Congress is doing their job, or the president. I feel like they're afraid to do anything, afraid that it's going to come back to them [in the form of retaliation from President Trump],” said Aeilts.
Bailey Levine said she would also like things to change in this country. She hoped moderate candidates can change how divided the nation is.
“It's been kind of getting progressively worse over the last few years, and I would love to see that change and just find common ground with everyone,” said Levine. “But a long way to go from that.”
Admittedly, Levine has not paid as much attention to local and statewide races. But she did recognize the name of 91st Illinois House District representative Sharon Chung. Chung, a Bloomington Democrat, ran unopposed for the seat.
“I've met her a few times, and she has been very nice. And she's obviously very passionate about our community and everything, so I was happy to vote for her,” said Levine.
Some college students told WGLT they saw Tuesday's election as an important opportunity to make their voice heard.
Luke Hamilton was 17 during the 2024 election, meaning this is his first opportunity for a vote that reflects his feelings of President Trump.
“I'm more left leaning myself. Wasn't too happy with Republicans' treating of Gaza. Not happy with the economy. Not happy with our wars in the Middle East,” said Hamilton, a sophomore studying finance at Illinois State University. “So I just wanted to go vote, you know. I think it's important to get my voice heard, no matter how little it is. It still counts.”
Hamilton said he also voted to protect women’s reproductive rights and the safety of immigrants. Trump’s first term led to a strong enough conservative foothold in the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade. Mass deportation has been a major point of all three Trump campaigns.
Ruby Carbajal, a junior studying special education at ISU, said she would not sit this election out.
“If you're not voting, that's a vote,” said Carbajal.
Without getting into specifics, Carbajal said her vote reflected what she believes in. On more local races, she said she remembered the name and campaign materials she had seen from Democrat Josh Crockett, who successfully challenged Republican Kathy Michael in the race for county clerk.
She was also a fan of the convenience that comes with being able to vote at the Bone Student Center.
“I was thinking I would have to go back home and vote because I live in Chicago, but honestly, it made it very simple, very easy,” said Carbajal.
