CHICAGO — Preliminary results from Tuesday’s general election reveal that voter turnout in Chicago reached approximately 63 percent, reflecting the engagement of the city’s residents in the electoral process.
As of late Tuesday, a total of 948,622 ballots had been tallied. However, this count does not yet reflect the numerous vote-by-mail ballots that were returned during the critical final days leading up to the election, indicating that overall turnout figures are likely to increase as more votes are processed.
Despite this, the current turnout appears to be lower than that recorded in previous presidential elections, signaling a potential decline in voter engagement this cycle.
Max Bever, a spokesman for the elections board, observed that while there is optimism for a higher turnout, the usual surge of voters during morning and evening hours on Election Day was noticeably absent. He anticipates that the city will eventually see around 1 million ballots cast by the time the final count is completed.
In comparison, the turnout for the 2020 general election was notably higher, with a total participation rate of 73.28 percent, which translated to 1,160,993 ballots being cast. Similarly, the 2016 general election recorded a turnout of 71.04 percent, with 1,115,664 ballots cast, highlighting a trend of increased electoral participation in those years.
Here’s how 2024’s turnout broke down by age:
- 18-24: 75,739 ballots cast
- 25-34: 206,704 ballots cast
- 35-44: 169,946 ballots cast
- 45-54: 142,111 ballots cast
- 55-64: 145,234 ballots cast
- 65-74: 125,273 ballots cast
- 75 and older: 83,615 ballots cast
Here’s the breakdown by gender:
- Female: 526,232 ballots cast
- Male: 419,623 ballots cast
- Non-Binary/X: 978 ballots cast
- Undeclared: 1,810 ballots cast
Find out how your neighborhood voted in the presidential election here.
Listen to the Block Club Chicago podcast:
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Thompson, Gynecologist at UVA Health**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Thompson! Thank you for joining us today. We know that ovarian cysts are a common issue among women. Can you explain what exactly an ovarian cyst is?
**Dr. Thompson:** Absolutely! An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on or within an ovary. While many women may have them at some point in their lives, they often go unnoticed and resolve on their own without causing any symptoms.
**Editor:** What are some of the common types of ovarian cysts, and do they all require treatment?
**Dr. Thompson:** The most common types are functional cysts, which occur during the menstrual cycle, and they typically resolve without intervention. However, there are other types, like dermoid cysts and endometriomas, that may require monitoring or treatment. If a cyst is causing significant pain or discomfort, we discuss treatment options, which can vary from medication to surgical procedures.
**Editor:** Speaking of treatment, you mentioned same-day surgeries for patients experiencing pain. Can you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Thompson:** Yes, at UVA Health, we offer same-day surgeries for women suffering from painful cysts. This approach allows us to provide quick relief and minimize the need for prolonged recovery times. We prioritize patient comfort and ensure that they receive the care they need without unnecessary delays.
**Editor:** That sounds like a fantastic resource for women dealing with this condition. What advice would you give to women who suspect they may have an ovarian cyst?
**Dr. Thompson:** I encourage women to be proactive about their health. If you experience persistent pelvic pain, bloating, or any unusual symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can greatly improve outcomes.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for your insights on ovarian cysts and the treatments available. It’s vital information for many women.
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me! It’s always important to raise awareness about women’s health issues.
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This interview aims to provide valuable information on ovarian cysts, reflecting the content from the UVA Health webpage.
