Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW)  — Sangamon County voters are casting their ballots today with a strong turnout already on the books before the polls opened. County Clerk Don Gray reported that 36% of likely voters had already cast a ballot through early voting and mail-in ballots before polls opened this morning. This early surge means a significant portion of results should be available within an hour after polls close tonight.

Gray expects overall voter turnout to reach around 76%, in line with the 2020 election numbers. Thanks to the high number of early and mail-in ballots, he anticipates a “smooth and steady” Election Day. Under Illinois law, Sangamon County can process early voting and mail-in ballots in real time, which should allow early voting results to be posted by approximately 7:40 p.m., according to Gray. Some states are required to wait to begin processing mail-in ballots until polls close.

Why does it take so long to count votes in some states?

As of Election Day morning, according to Gray, 38,270 ballots had been received, representing 36% of likely voters and 27% of registered voters in the county.

Gray advised that any voter with a mail-in ballot who wishes to vote in person should surrender it at their polling place. If unable to do so, a provisional ballot will be available.

Voters may also drop off mail-in ballots in the county’s ballot drop boxes until 7 p.m. tonight, located at the Sangamon County Complex at 200 S. 9th Street and the Sangamon County Juvenile/Regional Office of Education at 2201 S. Dirksen Parkway.

For those concerned about safety and procedures at the polls, Gray reassures that “every election judge is well-trained and able to handle any situation or question.”

Voters who aren’t registered can still register on Election Day by providing two forms of identification, such as a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or utility bill. Registered voters do not need an ID to vote, as election judges confirm their identity with a signature match.

Gray anticipates early voting results by around 7:40 p.m., with in-person polling results starting to come in around 8 p.m. He expects all precincts in by 10 p.m.