Votes were miscounted in at least one Evanston precinct Tuesday, casting doubts over local race results, said one poll watcher for Rep. Jan Schakowsky's (D-Ill.) campaign.
Election returns from the first precinct of the Second Ward were missing 247 of its 540 ballots, said poll watcher Shannon Seiberling.
The polling place, located at the McGaw YMCA, 1000 Grove St., used a mix of optical-scan and computerized voting systems. Seiberling said the error probably occurred while poll workers were compiling the digital results from the four touch-screen voting machines at the polling place, when the scanner was supposed to add its total automatically.
"This is just one precinct," Seiberling said. "Who knows if this is happening all across the board?"
The number of missing votes equals the number of paper ballots that were scanned, though there is no way to determine whether this is what caused the discrepancy.
When they noticed the error, the election judges present called the Cook County Clerk's office, which told them to certify the electronic results anyway, Seiberling said. The paper ballots were placed in a secured envelope, where they can be recounted in the event of a dispute.
The election department of the clerk's office, which is responsible for conducting elections, could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.
A spokesman for Larry Suffredin's campaign for Cook County State's Attorney said he was unaware of any reports of miscounted ballots.
"When the final results come in and there is a discrepancy, we'll have a discussion about that at that time," said Christopher Lackner, Suffredin's press secretary. "But for now, Ms. Alvarez is the Democratic candidate."
Attorney Candidate a Close Call
In a closely-watched contest for Cook County State's Attorney, Anita Alvarez edged out five other Democrats, including Chicago Ald. Tom Allen (38th) and Howard Brookins (21st) and Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin.
Alvarez was a key aide to outgoing State's Attorney Richard Devine, who is retiring. She gained acclaim for the successful prosecution of Patrick Sykes, who was convicted in 2001 of brutally beating and raping a 9-year-old girl in what became known as the "Girl X" case. Medill Prof. David Protess and his students spent three months in 2001 investigating the same case trying to prove Sykes innocent.
The Cook County Democratic Party did not endorse a candidate for the office. Voting in September, Democratic committeemen could not reach a consensus, but the Democratic Party of Evanston endorsed Suffredin, citing his proven record as Cook County commissioner.
"We've made electing Larry Suffredin a top priority," said State Sen. Jeff Schoenberg (9th), before the results were announced. "(Voters) are clearly seeking candidates who are committed to better health care, economic security, and better schools. The Democratic Party represents that change."
With just more than 90 percent of precincts reporting, Alvarez had 27 percent of the vote, followed by Allen with 26 percent and Suffredin with 25 percent. Brookins won 11 percent of votes, and Robert Milan, another career prosecutor in Devine's office, won 7 percent. Defense attorney and former FBI agent and Evanston resident Tommy Brewer got 2 percent.
Alvarez will face Republican County Commissioner Tony Peraica in the general election.
City Tax increase Shot Down
Evanston aldermen expressed disappointment Tuesday night when a tax rise to help fund city pensions was voted down.
"It's going to make our job a little tougher," said Ald. Cheryl Wollin (1st). "I was hoping that this referendum would be part of the solution."
The city needs about $140 million to fill a deficit in the fire and police pension funds. The council proposed a 20 percent raise in the real estate transfer tax - the amount charged when an owner sells property - which, if passed, would have raised $8 to $10 million. That money would have covered less than 8 percent of the overall deficit.
With about 93 percent of precincts reporting Tuesday night, the referendum was defeated 57 percent to 42 percent.
"I'm saddened by it," said Ald. Steven Bernstein (4th). "We needed to pass this referendum. … I guess (the voters) expressed their frustration with taxation."
Wollin and Bernstein both said the council would have to re-evaluate its strategy as it passes this year's budget. The only way to bring in more money, they said, would be to raise taxes or cut services.
"We will continue to address (the issue)," Bernstein said.
The council will meet Saturday morning for a regularly scheduled budget meeting.
Incumbent Rep. wins Primary
In a development that surprised no one, Rep. Jan Schakowsky won the Democratic primary for Illinois' 9th District House of Representatives seat.
With 94 percent of precincts reporting, Schakowsky got 88 percent of the vote, beating challenger John Nocita, who earned 12 percent.
Schakowsky attended Barack Obama's Super Tuesday party in downtown Chicago. "I hope to win," she said before the results came in.
This is Schakowsky's tenth year in the U.S. House.
Reach Stephen Blackman at sblackman@u.northwestern.edu
Reach Megan Crepeau at megancrepeau2007@u.northwestern.edu
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