URBANA, Ill. (WAND) — Local leaders have a big impact on the day-to-day ways we live our lives.
"It's important for people to vote in all elections, not just the presidential election or the midterm elections, but your local elections!" said Champaign County Clerk and Recorder Aaron Ammons.Â
This week kicked off early voting for the Urbana Primary Consolidated election. This includes local officials and a new mayor.
"It is extremely important to understand the importance of the mayoral role in a city like Urbana. In Urbana, your mayor is your executive of the city...," explained Ammons.
Current Urbana mayor, Diane Marlin, has been serving in office for eight years. This year, she announced she will be retiring.Â
Her role is responsible for most city-wide decisions. "The mayor hires, interviews, and brings to the council for appointment all the leadership positions...," Marlin said.
Now, as she gets ready to take a step back in just a few months, Marlin is excited to toss the baton to a new candidate. "We built a strong foundation to hand over to the next mayor and administration. And I'm just very proud."
The city of Urbana is reminding citizens there are many ways to cast your ballot for this election. Ammons is excited to make voting accessible to the city.Â
"That accessibility means that we have express-vote machines for people who have disabilities, we made sure that it's ADA compliant, and made sure that information is available on the website and through social media," said Ammons.
In-person early voting is taking place at the Brookens Administrative Center. Another early voting location at the Illini Union will open Feb. 17. The last day to vote on election day is February 25th.Â
Both Ammons and Marlin emphasize the importance of these local decisions made, and encourage citizens to cast their ballot.Â
"Local government impacts your day-to-day life," said Marlin.
For more information, click here.
Copyright 2025. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
