Despite recommended quarantine and restaurant and bar closures across the state, Illinois’ primary election went on as planned Tuesday, as many overheard at least one Illinois man coughing all over his ballot as he insisted on voting.
Most gatherings of at least 50 people had been canceled, but Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said democracy must continue, and many followed suit, including the coughing man.
“Must do civic duty,” Rich Spakowski, 52, said as he coughed profusely in his ballot box.
“Just a little tickle in my throat,” he assured other voters before spitting up phlegm, shaking election judges’ hands and touching several ‘I voted’ stickers and complimentary Dum Dums.
Former Vice President Joe Biden is expected to win the primary by as many as 20 points.