A higher than usual voter turnout is bringing Democrats to Champaign County offices, many of which have not been filled by a Democrat for years.

Two years ago, Democrat George Danos lost a bid (his second one) for Champaign County Auditor to Republican John Farney by just 36 votes. Farney is now interim County Treasurer. And Danos is running again for auditor --- this time, against Farney’s replacement, Diane Michaels.

A Republican county board member from Rantoul will be the next Champaign County Auditor. 

Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz and opponent and Assistant Public Defender George Vargas found little to agree on during a candidates' forum Thursday. He alleged "incompetence" on the part of her office, referencing the weekend shootings near the University of Illinois, and why suspect Robbie Patton was allowed to spend time in a Corrections boot camp, and was not imprisoned for a prior incident.