If you're looking for an example of why every vote counts, look no further than the Peoria Township Supervisor Democratic primary election, where challenger LaTrina Leary currently leads incumbent Frank Abdnour by just one vote.
After votes were tallied Tuesday, Leary led Abdnour 3,054 to 3,053. That means a handful of absentee ballots still outstanding will make all the difference in the outcome of the race.
"Every vote counts. If this doesn't prove that, if you don't think your vote counts, this race totally proves that as false thinking," said Abdnour. "This race, right here, should let every citizen know that your vote counts, and how important it is that you get out and vote for your candidate."
Abdnour said he is eager to see the final result of the election, and he encourages citizens to vote even when citizens believe they do not have a voice.
Leary also is eager to learn the outcome.
"I'm feeling positive. I'm feeling happy and optimistic. And I'm excited," Leary said. "I'm excited just because, being a newcomer in this election, I don't know if people underestimated me, but I think I kind of shocked a lot of people."
Abdnour said he is confident he'll come out victorious once all votes are counted. He said he ran for another term as the township supervisor because he wants to help the office move into the newly-purchased Peoria Township building.
If Leary wins, she said she wants to connect citizens with more resources, to bring about more unity in Peoria, adding she is eager for the community of Peoria to not only hear about her goals, but to see her words in action.
Abdnour said he wants the community of Peoria to know that he and Leary are living proof that every vote counts.
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