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Barrington and Lake Zurich voters sound off at the polls Tuesday
Election judge Mary Ann Wilfong assists Kara Baker feed her ballot into the machine Tuesday at the St. Michaels Episcopal Church polling place in Barrington. | Brian O'Mahoney~for Sun-Times Media
Updated: November 7, 2012 3:35PM
Barrington and Lake Zurich voters packed their polling places despite chilly, rainy weather Tuesday to cast votes in what was projected to be a very close presidential election.
Although some voters entered booths with long-formed decisions, others said they were still unsure who’s number to punch.
“I’m still undecided. I’ll make my decision when I get the ballot,” said South Barrington resident Hemal Nayak, who was getting ready to cast his vote at the Willow Creek Community Church.
Nayak said he was a registered Democrat, but didn’t plan to select a strictly Democratic ticket.
“I want to vote for whom I think is best,” he said.
Other voters said they had followed campaigns and made their decisions well before Election Day.
“It’s a straight Republican vote for me,” said Lake Zurich resident Diane Kalandra, who was casting her vote at the Ela Area Public Library.
South Barrington resident Steve Burke also reported that he voted Republican.
“I think Mitt Romney is going to win,” said Burke as he left the Willow Creek polling place. “We’re going Republican.”
Although voters in Barrington and Lake Zurich expressed more concern about the top of the ticket, the local elections held interest for some as well.
“I think Craig Taylor is a sure win,” said Lake Zurich resident Frank Johnstone about the Lake County Board’s District 19 race.
As Johnstone walked from the polling room at the Ela Library, he commented on the closeness of this election.
“My fingers are crossed,” he said. “I voted for Romney.”
Lake Zurich resident Charles Struble also said he’s been following the Lake County Board election.
“I like Craig Taylor a lot,” he said, adding that he did not have strong confidence in either Obama or Romney for the national election.
“I wish there were other choices,” he said.
Johnstone also took note of the bustling polling place despite the rainy afternoon. He said the turnout at Ela Library was higher than he’d expected to see.
“We don’t vote well in this country, and it’s sad,” he said.
Lake Zurich Village President Suzanne Branding was at Ela Library on Tuesday casting her vote, too.
“It’s a real privilege to be able to vote,” she said. “I’m glad to be here and be able to do it.”
