Tomorrow is Election Day
Election Day is almost here! Tomorrow, November 3, Illinoisans will head to the polls to cast their ballots in the General Election.
From taxes and public safety to education and the cost of living, there are plenty of important issues facing our state. The people we elect make decisions that affect our daily lives, which is why I encourage every eligible Illinoisan to make their voice heard in this year’s election.
If you haven’t voted yet, there’s still time!
Early voting continues today at designated locations across Illinois, and polls will be open tomorrow from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Before heading out, I encourage you to take a few minutes to check your polling location, review what’s on your ballot and make sure you have a plan to vote.
You can also check with your local election authority for information about early voting locations, hours and other election-related questions.
Whether you’re voting early or heading to the polls tomorrow, I hope you’ll take advantage of this opportunity to make your voice heard!
For polling locations and additional election information, visit the Illinois State Board of Elections website.
Visiting the CTE Academy in Elizabeth
There are a lot of great career opportunities out there that don’t necessarily require a traditional four-year degree, and I recently got to see how one local program is helping students pursue those paths.
I had the opportunity to tour the CTE Academy in Elizabeth, which has been providing career and technical education to high school students and adult learners since 1972.
What impressed me most was the variety of opportunities available to students. Whether they’re interested in auto mechanics, construction, law enforcement or nursing, the academy gives them a chance to develop practical skills and gain valuable experience before entering the workforce.
I was also excited to learn about a recent grant that will help expand the academy’s early childhood education program.
As our communities continue to face a need for skilled workers, programs like CTE Academy are more important than ever.
A big thank you to Director Chad Stenberg and his team for the tour and for everything they do to help students succeed!
Stay Alert for Deer on Roads This Fall
As we head into November, I want to remind drivers across Illinois to keep an extra eye out for deer on the roads.
Fall is one of the busiest times of year for deer activity, especially during mating season. In fact, 41 percent of deer-related crashes in Illinois last year occurred between October and December, with November seeing the most.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were 14,529 crashes involving deer in 2025, resulting in 677 injury crashes and seven fatalities.
While deer can appear just about anywhere, drivers should be especially cautious on rural roads and during the evening hours. Last year, 69 percent of deer-related crashes occurred in rural areas, and eight out of 10 happened at night.
A few simple precautions can help keep you safe:
- Stay alert: Watch the sides of the road for deer, especially around wooded areas and fields.
- Slow down: If you spot a deer near the road, reduce your speed and be prepared for others to follow.
- Buckle up: Always wear your seat belt, even on short trips.
- Don’t swerve: If a deer enters your path, brake firmly and avoid swerving into oncoming traffic or off the roadway.
Whether you’re heading to work, running errands or traveling across the district, I encourage everyone to take a little extra caution behind the wheel this fall. A few seconds of awareness can make all the difference.
For more information about deer-related collisions, visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.
Discussing Economic Development with Local Business Leaders
One of the most valuable parts of my job is hearing directly from the people who know our local economies best.
Recently, I joined representatives from the Northwest Illinois Economic Development Group, JCE Co-op and other area business leaders for a roundtable discussion about the opportunities and challenges facing businesses across northwest Illinois.
We had a productive conversation about several important issues, including pensions, tax credit programs, economic development in rural communities and the role state government plays in shaping our business environment.
Every community has its own challenges, and what works in one part of Illinois may not work in another. That’s why I believe it’s important to have these conversations and hear different perspectives before making decisions in Springfield.
I appreciate everyone who took the time to participate and share their experiences. These discussions give me valuable insight into what’s happening in our communities and the issues that deserve attention at the State Capitol.
