Voters complain of long wait times at early voting site in Crete Township

A number of voters called the Will County Clerk’s Office to complain about long lines and questionable practices at a Crete Township early voting site on Monday.

Chief Deputy Clerk Judith L. Wiedmeyer emailed Township Supervisor Michael Liccar and Township Clerk Kathie Holubek, saying, “The clerk is making up her own policies for voting that are unlawful and unacceptable and must cease immediately.”

The township office, where early voting is being held, was overwhelmed by the crowd that came to vote Monday morning, Trustee Frank Elton said. He said they had an “overabundance of voters” but made adjustments.

“They probably did not expect the kind of turnout that came right away,” County Clerk Nancy Schultz Voots said.

Crete resident Mary Dobyns voted Wednesday. It was the second time she tried after seeing the crowd on Monday.

“There was just long lines and you had to sign in and I wasn’t going to wait,” she said.

Schultz Voots’ office took issue with voters having to sign in to get their spot in line to vote.

Dobyns also felt the site wasn’t open long enough.

Schultz Voots said local, temporary polling places can choose their own hours of operation.

Holubek declined to comment.