Orland Township Swarms With Early Voters: Over 11K In Week One

ORLAND TOWNSHIP — Since Monday, Oct. 19, Orland Township welcomed residents and voters from suburban Cook County to the facility for early voting. Township Supervisor Paul O'Grady said there have been thousands of voters each day.

The supervisor said regardless of the weather, voters still came to cast their votes. O'Grady said each day health and safety is a high priority. The township has set social distancing markers and mask wearing requirements in place, along with hourly cleaning and disinfecting of high traffic areas. Hand sanitizer stations available thought the building, according to the township.

According to the Cook County Clerk’s website, as of Oct. 28, more than 11,000 voters have visited Orland Township during the first week of early voting. This total does not include the number of mail-in ballots dropped off or sent via mail. O’Grady received permission from the clerk’s office to set up a mail-in drop box outside as a drive-thru, to lessen some pedestrian traffic in and around the building, according to the township.

"It’s great to see so many residents come out and do their civic duty by exercising their
right to vote," O’Grady said. "I want to thank everyone who has visited the Township for their patience, understanding and compliments to my hardworking staff — your positive comments make everything we are doing worthwhile."

To compare the 2020 election to 2016, the clerk’s website states a total of 14,280 voters visited Orland Township during the two weeks of early voting. During the 2012 Presidential election, 13,312 individuals voted early at Orland Township.

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Prior to the start of early voting, the township said staff placed directional signs around the building and painted social distancing markers on the sidewalks outside, aiding in foot traffic direction and proper distancing between residents. In addition, the township said staff have been directing parking and building entrances for what ever business brings people to the facility.

O’Grady has asked staff to be alert and escort seniors and others with mobility issues to the front of the line, alleviating any discomfort they would have from standing outside for any length of time.

"No matter the need, Orland Township staff has risen to the occasion to make everyone’s visit to our facility as pleasant as possible," O’Grady said. "I am very proud of my staff for the way they have worked together to make sure everything is running smoothly, both inside and outside the building."

Early voting continues through Monday, Nov. 2. Voting hours are Monday- Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.