McHenry County Clerk Joe Tirio: ‘Still in good shape’ for primary election

Despite the loss of a handful of election judges and limited sanitation supplies at polling locations, McHenry County Clerk Joe Tirio said the county is prepared for Tuesday’s primary election.

Tirio said some judges have called in to say they’re not comfortable working through the primary because of the coronavirus but several other volunteers have offered their help.

“We’re still in good shape for tomorrow,” Tirio said.

Debra Szady of Lake in the Hills, who previously served as an election judge with her husband for eight years, said with the closing of school districts and restaurants in Illinois, she was wondering why the state couldn’t join the likes of Louisiana and Georgia in delaying their primary elections due to the threat of the coronavirus.

“I’m not sure if we’ll go vote now,” Szady said. “If so, I wish I had a hazmat suit right now because I’d be wearing it.”

Tirio said he could not find anything in state statute that would allow him to change the date of a primary election.

A number of precautionary measures were put in place once the coronavirus reached Illinois and, eventually, McHenry County.

Last week, four McHenry County polling places located in senior care facilities were relocated to protect elderly residents from coronavirus. The request received top priority from Tirio, McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks and county administrators.

For a full list of polling locations and other election information, visit www.mchenrycountyil.gov.