Being a Democrat in Ogle County can be a bit lonely.
According to County Clerk Laura Cook, there are 31, 242 registered voters in the county. Of that number, 13,689 are registered Republican, while only 5,488 are registered a Democrats. Undeclared voters account for 12,065 of the total number.
But that doesn’t mean Democrats are not excited about their chances in the Nov. 6 election. In fact, Ogle County Democratic Party Chairman Christine Ballard said they are seeing a lot of enthusiasm and involvement in the party this year.
“It’s a very exciting time for us,” she said.
She said one reason the party has been energized is President Donald Trump.
“Yes,” she said with a chuckle when asked if the president has made more people active in the party this year. “There’s not a day goes by that he keeps renewing our drive.”
But the Republican Party in the county is also engaged and ready for the election, said Stacy Flanagan, chairman of the Ogle County Republican Party.
“Yes, the Ogle County Republicans are excited about the election,” she said. “We are excited about every election. People are getting fired up.”
She said she also expects good voter turnout in the county.
“I do expect a good turnout, mostly because of the governor's race,” she said. “People seem more concerned about this governor's race than any other governor's race we have had in the past.”
Cook said she also thinks that race will bring people out to vote.
“I believe the people are coming out because of the governor race, and I would expect maybe a 52 percent turnout,” Cook said.
Locally, Ballard said Rockford Democrat Sara Dady has a real shot to unseat Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger.
“She’s working hard to reach all voters in the district,” she said of Dady.
Nationally, Ballard said she believes her party’s chances are good on election night for some major gains in Washington.
“I think we’re going to take back the House,” she said. “I’m hoping the Senate.”
But Flanagan isn’t so sure.
“A lot of people don't follow and understand the political process” she said. “They will get caught up in some of the rhetoric and vote Democratic. Most Ogle County voters are conservative and will vote that way. With social media, a lot of Republicans are staying quiet because they are afraid of being bullied by the so called ‘blue wave.’”
Whatever happens, it will be a night many political junkies will enjoy.
“I don’t think many people who follow politics is going to get a night’s sleep,” Ballard said.
