Chicago Polling Site Runs Out of Paper Ballots

Voters at several Chicago locations faced delays after paper ballot shortages and a broken machine on Election Day.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a lone wooden ballot box before a tall brick civic facade under overcast light, evoking a stalled election-day process. — Voters at several Chicago polling sites faced delays after paper ballot shortages and a broken machine hit Manuel Perez Elementary on Election Day. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust your local government to keep polling places running smoothly on Election Day?

Manuel Perez Elementary School ran out of paper ballots before 10 a.m. on Election Day, and a voting machine at Precinct 5 stopped working. The Chicago Board of Elections asked voters to consider universal vote centers to ease crowds at polling sites.

Why it matters

The shortages slowed voting for residents in Chicago precincts and added pressure on remaining polling sites. Voters with disabilities were directed to a single electronic ballot option at one location.

The reported evidence is first-hand accounts from a voter and polling-site conditions on Election Day, with a voter waiting almost 40 minutes after arriving at 9:20 a.m. Only one electronic ballot was reserved for voters who cannot stand or write, and it is unclear how many voters were turned away or delayed overall.

The players

Chicago Board of Elections

The city body that oversees voting and polling operations in Chicago and asked voters to consider universal vote centers.

Lindsay Caton

A Chicago voter who waited almost 40 minutes at Manuel Perez Elementary School after finding it short on paper ballots.

The details

Lindsay Caton arrived at Manuel Perez Elementary School at 9:20 a.m. and found the site had run out of paper ballots. Voters were using touchscreen equipment that was moving slowly while more ballots were being printed, and officials said all voters would still be able to cast ballots on Election Day.

Before 10 a.m. on Election Day: Manuel Perez Elementary School runs out of paper ballots.
9:20 a.m. on Election Day: Lindsay Caton arrives at the polling site and finds it short on ballots.
7 p.m. on Election Day: Scheduled closing time for the polling site.
8 p.m. on Election Day: Esparza's work shift ends.

Election Context

The shortages put Chicago's universal vote center system, formerly known as early voting sites, under strain on Election Day. Officials asked voters to use those centers as an alternative to crowded precinct sites.

Chicago voters who face long lines can check whether a universal vote center is open nearby as an alternative to their assigned precinct site. Voters with disabilities should be aware that electronic ballot options may be limited at some locations.

The takeaway

Voters facing a long line or a shortage at their precinct can ask election officials about nearby universal vote centers before leaving. Planning a visit earlier in the day can also reduce the risk of delays.