Kankakee County, Illinois — Officials closed early voting Tuesday evening in Kankakee as severe weather approached the region.
According to the Kankakee County Clerk’s Office, the decision to shut down voting around 5:10 p.m. was made after consultation with local law enforcement. Officials said the move was intended to ensure voter and staff safety before the incoming storm reaches the area.
“We want to make sure that everyone is safe, and that staff gets home before the storm hits,” the office said in a public update shared by County Clerk Dan Hendrickson.
Early voting at the Kankakee location will resume Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m., according to the announcement.
Local officials urged residents to monitor weather conditions and stay informed through local radio stations or weather radios as the storm system moves through the area.
The early closure affects only Tuesday evening operations in Kankakee. Election officials did not report any disruptions to future scheduled voting hours beyond the temporary closure.
Severe weather systems moving across Illinois have prompted safety advisories in several communities as officials monitor the potential for strong winds, heavy rain, or other storm impacts.
For voters planning to cast ballots early, officials recommend checking updated hours and weather conditions before traveling to polling locations.
For students, workers, and commuters planning to vote early, the temporary closure could shift evening voting plans until Wednesday morning.
