Sarah Mertens for Illinois State Senate
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I thought that I would have a clear update on the election last night. Then I thought I'd be able to provide something concrete this morning. While those plans didn't pan out, I'm thrilled to report that I am still in this race.
I never expected to be at the center of a days . . . or possibly weeks-long election decision, but life sure does like to see what we can handle. Thinking that I'd be able to get back to routines I've been putting off, I donated blood today. Normally I donate several times a year (as often as anemia allows), but that's been made more difficult with the demands of campaigning. So of course, assuming today would be a day to figure out my next steps and relax (win or lose), I scheduled an appointment to donate blood right after working at my elementary school today.
It was not the relaxing day I had planned. I was on the phone, talking, texting, or emailing every spare moment all day. Part of that just happened to be while in a bed, donating blood.
I still don't have final news to share on the election, but I will be working to ensure that all mail-in ballots are counted, and that anyone with provisional ballots have the resources they need to ensure their ballots are accepted.
Here's how you can help:
Signature discrepancies - for some voters who drop off or mail in their ballot, they receive a letter saying their signature does not match the County Clerk's record. If this happens, voters need to complete extra steps to ensure their ballot is accepted. This process differs by county. If this happened to you, reach out and I'll get you all the information you need.
Provisional ballots - some provisional ballots are accepted after voting without additional work from the voter. Others need the voter to follow-up with the county to ensure their provisional ballot is counted. If you voted using a provisional ballot, and aren't sure of whether it has been counted, reach out!
Either way this election goes, I'm proud of what I have accomplished. I'm honored by all of the volunteers who have helped me along the way. I decided to run in a district that was drawn to be Republican, and held by the same State Senator for over a decade. That senator has been in office for 34 years, without a contest in the general election in 16 years. In the incumbent Senator's last election, the district was weighted +10 Republican (roughly 55%).
Even knowing the voting history of this district, I never misrepresented myself to voters. I freely admit to cases when I need to learn about issues, because I know and accept that I am not an expert at everything. I've been transparent about my political beliefs, because voters deserve honesty from the very beginning. I've listened with an open mind to voters who have different beliefs or experiences from my own, because I cannot grow as a person, candidate, or elected official otherwise.
And here we are one day post-election, in a race too close to call. Wow! While I hope to be declared the winner once mail-in ballots have all been certified, I am so honored to be in the position I am now. Thank you so much. 
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