Early voting ongoing leading up to Algonquin, Grafton, Nunda township primaries

Republican voters in Algonquin, Nunda and Grafton townships can vote early right up to their Feb. 28 primaries.

The number of Republican candidates for several township races prompted the need for primary races, and the primary winners will advance to the April 4 consolidated election. Voters every four years elect their township representatives along with their choices for municipal, school, park, library and other boards.

Grafton Township voters have three contested primary races.

Eric Ruth and Joseph Holtorf are running to succeed James Kearns, who was elected in November to the McHenry County Board, as township supervisor.

Dina Frigo and Kathleen Watson are running for village clerk to succeed Kathryn Hurley, and incumbent Highway Commissioner Tom Poznanzki faces challengers Steven Stoltzman and Frank Kearns.

Voters in Nunda Township have contested primaries for all seats except village clerk.

Incumbent Supervisor Lee Jennings faces challengers Catherine Williams and County Board member Michael Walkup. Assessor Mark Dzemske, who was appointed last year to fill out Dennis Jagla’s term after he retired, faces a challenge from candidate Justin Franzke. Incumbent Highway Commissioner “Iron” Mike Lesperance faces a challenge from candidate Eric Dowd.

Seven candidates are running for four open trustee seats. Incumbent Trustees Ed Dvorak, William Boltz, Karen Tynis and Mike Shorten are being challenged by candidates Tim Parrish, Rob Parrish and Debra Heath.

In Algonquin Township, all township offices save for the assessor have contested primaries.

Township Clerk Charles Lutzow Jr. and Crystal Lake City Council member Ellen Brady Mueller are seeking to succeed outgoing Supervisor Diane Klemm. Candidates Karen Lukasik and Trustee Melissa Sanchez-Fisher are running to succeed Lutzow as clerk. Incumbent Highway Commissioner Robert Miller faces a challenge from County Board candidate Andrew Gasser.

Seven candidates are running for four open trustee seats. Incumbents Dan Shea and Russell Cardelli face challenges from Terence Ferenc, Melissa Victor, Rachael Lawrence, David Chapman and Scott Taillet.

Seven early voting polling locations will be open through Monday in Woodstock, Crystal Lake, Huntley, Lake in the Hills and McHenry. A list of locations and hours is available on the county website at www.co.mchenry.il.us or by calling 815-334-4242.

Townships have three statutory responsibilities under Illinois law – maintain township roads, assess property and distribute general assistance. Pressure has been mounting on lawmakers to pass legislation making it easier to consolidate or eliminate them.