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The Best Primary Voting Guides

Posted on March 18, 2024   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Sidney Madden

Sidney Madden

Elections signs at a Chicago polling station

Elections signs at a Chicago polling station March 12. (Jacek Boczarski / Anadolu / Getty)

Remember you can bring notes with you — on paper or on your phone — into the voting booth. That means you can reference guides from newsrooms, nonprofits, and fellow Chicagoans.

Hey Chicago and the City Cast Chicago podcast team have been keeping you updated on races big and small this election season — from a congressional rematch to the Bring Chicago Home back-and-forth to breaking down why we even still vote for ward committeepeople.

The nonprofit asked Cook County state’s attorney candidates questions about retail thefts, racially targeted traffic stops, and violence prevention. Plus, if you are a visual person, you will appreciate the illustrations included in the guide, which is available in English and Spanish.

Across Cook County, there are 45 judicial vacancies. But who are the 69 candidates — including a controversial police officer? Your fav newsletter editor will have this comprehensive nonpartisan guide pulled up on Election Day.

City Cast

Tax Referendum is Back, Migrant Shelter Complaints, and Students Open Farm

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Depending on where you live, you could see precinct-specific referenda: Does the Southwest Side need a new police district? Should the entire lakefront be designated a national park? (Brush up on binding vs. non-binding referenda.)

City Cast

ShotSpotter’s Future, Ballot Measures Explained, and Most Romantic Spots

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Activists Stephanie Skora and Raeghn Draper are back with the popular guide featuring “Golden Shrug” endorsements for progressive candidates. Hey Chicago talked with Skora about why Illinoisans can’t vote “uncommitted” here.

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