About an hour ago, officials from the Illinois State Board of Elections told the Tribune that they expected about 53 percent of registered voters in Chicago and Cook County to participate in today's election. Those numbers are fluid; if there is no "evening voter rush," the stats could dip. But it's encouraging for Democrats, who need as many urban votes as they can get. 

What's animating voters in Chicago? Some, like registered nurse Margaret O'Hara, want to "preserve the health care bill," a law GOP gubernatorial nominee Bill Brady says he will work to repeal. Watch:

Others like Christina Gorman are nervous that the burgeoning tea party movement could tear away the nation's safety net. "I know times are kind of dire right now," she told us, "but I really don't want any tea partiers in any offices." Watch: