The early returns on the early returns are in.
Orland Park Mayor James Dodge already deemed the village’s new early voting location a success.
The first day of early voting at the Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 S. Ravinia Ave., was March 2 and that night at the village board meeting, Dodge said he was happy with what he saw. The early voting was previously held at the Orland Township building across the street.
“I was very pleased with how things went with the early voting,” Dodge said. “I think it was well-received by the 200-plus voters who showed up.
“We’ll figure out how to get it exactly right with all the signage but I think most voters will appreciate the fact that they will be out of the elements while they are waiting in line.”
He said the Civic Center is bigger and can hold more voting machines.
“It should move at a quicker pace,” the mayor said. “I’m glad early voting is here and I think it’s working very well.”
Village officials boast that the relocation enhances accessibility, improves efficiency and provides a more comfortable voting experience for voters.
Dodge called it an “important milestone” for the community.
Village officials worked in partnership with the Cook County Clerk’s Office during the transition for the election, which takes place on March 17.
Early voting takes place March 5-7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., March 9-13 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., March 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and March 16 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
New Memorial Day events
Orland Park Trustee Michael Milani said the village will have new Memorial Day events this year, which will include a parade, a barbecue contest, music, fireworks and more on May 23 at Centennial Park West.
As a candidate I have been at early voting every day. I agree there are improvements, however, the village did not plan for parking issues. There are many due to other events scheduled in the building. On Tuesday there were no parking spots available to voters at all. Not one and people were forced to leave without voting. The village didn’t reschedule conflicting with voting hours. Tuesdays event was taking up both the civic center lot and the village lot.
This is the first year so some bugs are to be expected. Also, to clarify a comment in the article, election day is being held at the Township building not the Civic Center. At least for this election cycle.