Turnout was down (almost) across the board. Explore these interactive maps, including votes for President, Congress, State’s Attorney and the courts.
By Pat Sier and Darryl Holliday
Looking for November 2020 results? Click here.
Chicago voters headed to the polls for the Illinois primary on March 17—despite a global pandemic, coronavirus (covid-19), that led to a shelter-in-place order from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker just days later. By the end of the day, Joe Biden emerged as the top Democratic contender for president with 59 percent of the vote with Bernie Sanders trailing at 39 percent. Other notable wins include incumbent State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, unopposed Illinois Senator Dick Durbin, Illinois Supreme Court Justice P. Scott Neville and, for the Illinois Republican primary, President Donald Trump with 96 percent of the vote, according to the Chicago Board of Elections.
However, low voter turnout concerns proved correct as polling locations changed by the day and scores of election judges stayed home to practice social distancing guidelines recommended by public health officials. Voter turnout took a hit citywide with up to 30 percent fewer votes cast in numerous districts compared to the 2016 state primary (see turnout detail map below).
Nine states have postponed their primaries due to the ongoing spread of coronavirus as of publication.
We’ve made this data and the code for these maps publicly available via our Observable notebook.
Interactive map with results for every race
Use the drop-down menu to switch between races.
Interactive map showing turnout by precinct
Maps showing contested races
We’ve pulled static images for the local races that have garnered the most attention outside of the Democratic presidential nominee, including State’s Attorney Kim Foxx win over well-funded opponent Bill Conway, Iris Martinez taking the seat of Cook County Circuit Court Clark after the notorious Dorothy Brown and progressive Marie Newman besting incumbent Dan Lipinski in Illinois’ third district.
Support City Bureau’s reporting by becoming a City Bureau Press Club member today.
To get twice-monthly emails including Chicago news and events, sign up for City Bureau’s Chicago newsletter.