Illinois voters head to polls

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Associated Press

Story Created: Tue Nov 6, 2012 7:45 AM

Story Updated: Tue Nov 6, 2012 7:46 AM

CHICAGO (AP) - Polls are open in Illinois where voters will make decisions in an election that involves several hotly contested U.S. House races and a proposed amendment to the Illinois Constitution would make it more difficult for officials to improve retirement benefits for public employees.
   
Illinois Democrats are hoping Barack Obama's appearance on the ballot in his home state will help them prevail in a handful of U.S. House races, including three involving endangered Republican freshmen.
   
Chicago-area election officials say they've expecting high voter turnout for Tuesday's election. But Chicago Board of Elections Chairman Langdon Neal says he doesn't think it will reach or exceed the 74 percent turnout of 2008 when Obama was elected.

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