Could a later primary date increase voter turnout?
A. Jan Czarnik, executive director for the League of Women Voters of Illinois, sees the potential for more voter participation from a later primary. She said the little time voters had to become familiar with candidates and rough weather conditions played roles in the low voter turnout. “We are absolutely in favor of moving the primary back,” she said, adding the organization argued in the past that the March primary was too early. Czarnik noted turnout was surprisingly low given the important races for governor and other key spots on the ballot. She thinks the early primary helps officeholders while being a disservice to voters. “It’s common knowledge having the primary this early benefits incumbents,” Czarnik said. But Nekritz said there are many reasons why people do not vote, and she does not know if moving the primary is the solution. “I don’t think it is the silver bullet,” she said. Matt Hopf can be reached at (217) 782-3095 or matt.hopf@sj-r.com.
