By Andy Dahn

BLOOMINGTON – The race between Darin LaHood and Rob Mellon will come to a close during the Sept. 10 special election for Illinois’ 18th Congressional District.

McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael said she isn’t expecting a large voter turnout, but she added there are ways voters can make their voices heard before the election.

“Early voting is going on right now,” Michael said. “So please take advantage of that if you don’t want to go to your polling place or you’re going to be on vacation or anything like that.”

Michael said she won’t be surprised if disappointing voter turnout numbers continue.

“I’m predicting, and I hope I’m wrong, that we don’t make a double digit percentage this time,” said Michael. “I really want the public to prove me wrong with this. It was a dismal turnout last time, I think we only had 12-percent. I really hope we hit double digits but I just don’t think we will.”

Michael said she continues to spread the word about the election to residents, but added that there’s only so much government officials can do to get voters to the polls.

“If folks aren’t motivated to vote, they’re not motivated to vote,” Michael said. “We rely on the candidates and the parties to get that message out and get folks to the polls.”

Residents can cast their votes at the Downtown Bloomington Government Center with a state ID. Michael also said residents that miss the Sept. 10 election can still participate in the voting grace period.

Andy Dahn can be reached at [email protected].