Voter turnout in Chicago for this month’s general election was notably lower than expected, marking the lowest participation rate in 28 years. Around 67.9% of registered voters in Chicago cast ballots, down from 71% in 2016 and 73.3% in 2020. This year’s turnout is the second-lowest in 80 years, surpassing only the 1996 election when it was 63.2%.
While early estimates predicted a turnout of about 70%, voter engagement was lower than anticipated, with many polling places experiencing long lines despite the drop in overall participation. Turnout was particularly low in some West and Southwest Side wards, with the 16th Ward seeing just 44%. In contrast, the 44th Ward had a record-high 96.3% turnout.
The trend of lower participation extended beyond Chicago, with suburban Cook County and surrounding areas also seeing declines in voter turnout compared to previous presidential elections. However, counties like Kane, McHenry, and Will saw slight increases in turnout.
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