It may feel like we just went to the polls, but another election is right around the corner. The 2025 Consolidated Election is Tuesday, April 1. Voters in Galesburg will elect candidates for mayor, city clerk, alderpersons, school boards, township positions and more.

Lisa Watson, executive director of the Galesburg Board of Elections, joined WGIL's Jay Redfern and Tyler Gumm to preview the election.

Watson reminded voters there are three ways to cast their ballots:

Election Day: At polling places on April 1, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Early In-Person Voting: At the city election office (City Hall, 55 West Tompkins Street) with extended hours beginning March 8. Current hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Extended hours include Saturdays (1-4 p.m. beginning March 8), weekdays (8 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning March 10), and one Sunday (March 30, noon - 4 p.m.).

Vote By Mail: Applications were mailed to over 2,500 permanent vote-by-mail recipients. Ballots can be deposited in the secure ballot drop box, open 24/7.

The discussion also included:

Voting Trends:

Historically, Election Day voting was the most common (50-60%).

Due to COVID-19, permanent vote-by-mail became more prevalent, surpassing in-person early voting and election day voting.

The Board of Elections aims to accommodate voter preferences and encourage civic participation regardless of the chosen method.

Cost of Voting Methods:

In-person voting (early or Election Day) ballot cost is $0.31.

Vote-by-mail is more expensive ($5) due to required envelopes and postage.

Voter Registration:

Illinois offers year-round voter registration (365 days).

Registration methods include: DMV, DHS, City Election Office, and online (OVA elections.gov).

After March 5 (27 days before the election), individuals must grace register in person at the City Election Office, requiring two forms of ID (proof of residency and proof of identity).

Voter Demographics & Turnout:

Galesburg has approximately 17,500 registered voters.

Voter numbers are relatively stable compared to the overall population.

Turnout for consolidated elections with a mayoral race typically ranges from 21-25% of registered voters.

Turnout is affected by number of contested races and referenda on the ballot.

Sample Ballots:

Sample ballots are available online by searching "Galesburg sample ballots" on Google.

Paper copies are available at the City Hall Election Office and on display outside the City Clerk's office.

Voter Identification Requirements:

Illinois requires signature comparison. Election judges/workers compare the signature on the ballot or voter application with the signature on the voter registration.