In Peoria s first election for an open mayoral seat in 20 years, Election Day has arrived.
With 23 candidates vying to make it through the primary election for seven different positions, there s plenty going on, but we ve got you covered.
Check out some of the common questions voters have ahead of the big day (mark it on your calendars).
How long are polls open today?
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
How does a primary work?
In Peoria, any time more than two candidates are running for mayor, treasurer, clerk or a district council seat, there s a primary election. For each office, the top two vote-getters in the primary go head-to-head in the general election. There s always a general election, even if someone in the primary gets more than 50% of the vote.
Early voting begins today across Illinois
PEORIA (WEEK) Early voting started on January 14th for consolidated primary elections on February 23rd.
The city of Peoria primary will have the mayor, treasurer and city council races. Peoria Township has a race for supervisor on the ballot. There are five candidates running for mayor, so this election narrow it down to two people for the April 6th election.
Peoria County Election Commissioner, Thomas Bride, said sometimes these local elections come down to one vote. Local races really have a bigger effect on a day to day basis than than a presidential probably or even your congressional races, I always tell people if you look at your tax bill everything on there you re voting for in will be affected by this primary in April, said Bride.
Election 2021
WCBU is committed to helping you become an informed voter ahead of the April 6 local election.
How To Vote
Candidates Forum
WCBU hosted a forum Jan. 21 featuring the candidates running for Peoria mayor in the primary. This virtual event was co-sponsored by WCBU, the League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria, and the Peoria Public Library. You can watch the Jan. 21 forum on YouTube below or read our recap story.
Peoria Mayoral Candidates