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City Cast Chicago

Emily Mack

. But during Chicago’s 2022 midterm primary, just 22% of the city voted. We can do better than that!

It’s Election Day Today … and Tomorrow? Plus, Our Summer Plans at Ravinia

 and the city’s downtown supersite will continue operating through 7 p.m. today. Same-day registration is available at all those sites, plus additional 

Here’s what you’ll need for same-day registration.

Already registered? Today, you can hit your local polling site — 

, make sure your ballot is postmarked today! Vote-by-mail procrastinators should consider dropping ballots off at an early-voting spot.

The retirement of longtime Sen. Dick Durbin has opened up a competitive Democratic race, currently dominated by three front-runners: 

Other competitive congressional races are happening in the 2nd, 7th, 8th, and 9th Districts:

 are running to replace Krishnamoorthi, including 

 Thirteen candidates want to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, including 

Fifteen candidates hope to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky. Among them: 

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle faces 

 from (the relatively conservative) Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd).

 are vying to become comptroller, aka the person who pays the bills in Illinois.

As property taxes rise, the Democratic party has 

 Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi, supporting suburban challenger Pat Hynes.

The Cook County Board of Review also faces a potential shakeup, following 

Actually, I can’t tell you who to vote for … but I can help you get informed! Consider consulting these heavily researched guides:

 both allow for easy comparison between candidates.

 offers helpful details for evaluating judicial candidates. (This year, though, 

 is a progressive independent option with a casual tone

 aims to appeal to young voters and includes many visuals

More on the biggest races we’re watching 👀

In Chicago, primaries often decide winners. So go vote!

Your Last-Minute Illinois Primary Election Guide

Your Last-Minute Election Guide

What's being decided in Chicago City Hall and why it matters. We monitor local elections, political news, and Chicago City Council. 

Chicago Election and City Hall News

Local Civics

Chicago politics is never dull: A local political story can die down, drag for months, or take unexpected turns. That's why we're bringing you these 2024 Chicago politics superlatives.

City Council finally passed a budget Monday 27–23 after multiple proposals from Mayor Brandon Johnson, who dropped his unpopular property tax hike to get the deal done. Now what about the 

The trial of the state’s most powerful politician finally began this fall. It has been years in the making: The trial was delayed following 

a U.S. Supreme Court decision on federal bribery law

. Plus, others connected to Madigan had their 

the prosecution could rest as early as this week

, and a jury could soon decide the fate of the former Illinois House speaker.

All seven members of the Chicago Board of Education resigned in October amid tension between the mayor’s office and the school district over the budget. Johnson then appointed a new interim board which will only remain until mid-January, when 

After almost 30 years, the DNC returned to Chicago this summer. As about 50,000 people arrived for the convention and 

, city officials made CTA trains squeaky clean, removed unhoused residents from tent encampments, and tried to contain protests.

In a competitive race to replace Kim Foxx, it took almost two weeks in the spring to determine a winner between Democrats Eileen O’Neill Burke and Clayton Harris III. O'Neill Burke ended up winning the primary and general election.

 will end up, but one thing we do know that wasn’t exactly popular? Rev. Charlie Dates’ prayer for a new stadium deal 😬

. The latest is the Illinois Supreme Court overturned the former “Empire” actor’s conviction on charges of staging a hate crime against himself in Streeterville in 2019.

 merging CTA, Metra, and Pace under one system after state lawmakers proposed in the spring a single consolidated agency. Leaders at each of the agencies aren’t for it.

Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard has put the south suburb on the map and, uh, not exactly for good reasons. Henyard, who is accused of financial misconduct and corruption, is the subject of an investigation led by former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and a federal investigation. She faces a fierce race in the spring.

From budget headaches to corruption trials to the Democratic National Convention — Chicago politics are never dull.

Chicago’s Biggest Political Moments of 2024

It was a dark and stormy night in Chicago as polls closed and votes were tallied. Here’s what we know.

While Kamala Harris won Illinois in the presidential race, Donald Trump has declared victory. For months, Chicagoans have speculated what a 

second Trump presidency could mean for the city

 from redevelopment projects like the Red Line extension to mass deportation.

The results are still rolling in for the 

, and we kept a close eye on the crowded races in Districts 4 and 10.

CPS employee and former teacher Ellen Rosenfeld

, which covers North Side neighborhoods. Rosenfeld — who was endorsed by a mix of Democrats and pro–charter school groups — beat out five other candidates. She is married to 47th Ward Democratic 

Rapper and songwriter Che “Rhymefest” Smith

 by more than 1,000 votes to represent a socioeconomically diverse area on the South Side. Smith has high-profile endorsements and Norington-Reaves is backed by a pro–charter school PAC.

Who’s leading in the other eight districts?

District 1: Jennifer Custer (just barely)

The jury is still out on whether Republicans held onto their slim majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. But it’s looking like conservatives aren’t going to gain any seats in Illinois. 

Democrat Rep. Nikki Budzinski is in the lead to hold onto her seat in the 

stretching from the St. Louis area to Champaign. 

Budzinski raised significantly more money

remains blue: Incumbent Rep. Eric Sorensen won another term. Rockford judge Joe McGraw had hoped to return the northwestern seat to Republicans for the first time since 2012. 

Former state appellate justice Eileen O’Neill Burke will be the county’s next top prosecutor. The 

 faced Republican Bob Fioretti and Libertarian Andrew Kopinski in Tuesday’s election. 

 decided not to run again after two terms.

State Advisory Questions & City Referenda

Illinois voters were also asked three non-binding advisory questions, aka glorified voter surveys. Voters said:

✅ YES to taxing higher earners for property tax relief

✅ YES to making insurance plans cover IVF

✅ YES to candidates facing penalties for interfering with election workers

Some Chicago voters also weighed in on binding referenda: A small group of North Siders were in favor of 

, and South Siders are approving tax levies for free mental health programs.

Want more local election results? Turn to 

🗳️ Plus, how was voter turnout in the city?

Chicago 2024 General Election Results

The Election Results We Know (So Far)

Whether you are planning to vote in person today or fill out your ballot at home, check out voting guides from across Chicago media. And, yes, you can reference notes on your phone in the voting booth.

 is the best of both worlds: It has in-depth questionnaires from candidates and also quickly shares where candidates stand on key issues like standardized testing and police officers in schools.

Do you ever get to the end of your ballot and find all the judicial races daunting? Luckily, our friends at Injustice Watch put together another comprehensive nonpartisan guide to help voters learn more about the dozens of judges running for retention.

If you are more of a visual person, this Chicago Votes zine might be the voting resource you need. The guide not only shares who is running in races up and down the ballot but also explains the responsibilities of different offices.

Activists Stephanie Skora and Raeghn Draper are back with the popular guide featuring “Golden Shrug” endorsements for progressive candidates. At 70 pages, the Google Doc also covers suburban ballot measures and Illinois Assembly races.

Remember, you can reference these guides on your phone along with any notes in the voting booth on Election Day.

The Best 2024 General Election Guides in Chicago

The Best Chicago 2024 Voting Guides

A lot of eyes are on the presidential race, but City Cast Chicago is here to remind you about the other races on your ballot.

 this fall. One person will be elected from each of the 10 districts. Some of the races have gotten crowded — and expensive.

A rapper, education consultant, pastor, and public servant are all vying to represent 

, which spans from South Loop to the Indiana border.

 has six candidates in the running, one of whom has been accused of being too much of an insider while another has said he is in favor of school closings.

Something else to note: Mayor Brandon Johnson will appoint another 11 members. The city will vote for a fully elected school board in 2026.

14 of our 17 representatives are Democrats

. But there are a couple of races to watch — especially as Republicans try to hold on to their slim majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

Retired Rockford judge and GOP challenger Joe McGraw wants to take the 

from first-term incumbent Rep. Eric Sorensen. It’s possible — races have been tight in the northern Illinois district.

Down in Springfield, freshman incumbent Nikki Budzinski is facing off against Republican challenger and veteran Joshua Loyd. Will the 

 in the spring, voters will decide who will replace 

 as the county’s next top prosecutor. Former state appellate justice Eileen O’Neill Burke is running on the Democratic ticket, though some progressives think she is too right-leaning. Ex-Ald. Bob Fioretti, the GOP candidate and a former Democrat, is 

. Andrew Kopinski is running as a Libertarian.

Illinois voters will all see three advisory questions on ballots. These are non-binding, 

. Voters will be asked if high earners should be taxed more for property tax relief, if insurance plans should cover IVF, and if candidates should face penalties for interfering with election workers.

Chicago voters might see some referendum questions, too. Depending on where you live in the city, you might also be asked to weigh in on a binding referendum about a free mental health program on the South Side or a 

the South Shore community benefits agreement

Correction: The North Side liquor ban is a binding referendum. Hey Chicago regrets the error. 

Illinois Races We’re Watching

Chicagoans are already casting ballots in the city’s first-ever 

. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Election Day.

The city is split into 10 districts this election

, and one person will be elected from each district. Mayor Brandon Johnson will then appoint another 11 people to round out this 21-person hybrid school board.

All the seats will be up for election in 2026.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation in 2021

 creating Chicago’s elected school board. But organizers had spent more than a decade calling for change after

 years of mayoral control left some residents feeling left out of decisions affecting schools

The school board helps set district policy. 

Approving the district budget (Remember these first two — they’ll come up later.)

Weighing in on employee disciplinary questions

“Whenever there’s chaos and fighting at the top, people don’t want that to trickle down to the school level, but inevitably it can,” Chalkbeat Chicago editor Becky Vevea told the City Cast Chicago podcast.

To learn more about the candidates in your district, check out the 

 from Chalkbeat Chicago, Sun-Times and WBEZ. And listen to our full conversation with Vevea to 

learn more about the money and politics at play

💰 Donors have dropped how much??

Wait, what about the current school board drama?!

The entire school board resigned en masse earlier this month

, and Johnson appointed seven new members. The mayor and district have been at odds over the CPS budget, with the mayor reportedly calling for the resignation of CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. (Told you it would come up again.)

It’s possible some of Johnson’s new appointees could stay on the hybrid school board, but it depends on where they and the election winners live in their respective districts.

Chicagoans are already casting ballots in the city’s first-ever school board elections.

What to Know About Chicago's School Board Elections

Early voting for the Nov. 5 general election begins in Chicago this week, so we’re sharing what you need to know before you submit your ballot.

Voters with Illinois driver’s licenses and IDs can change their names and addresses online. 

. Voters can also register at early voting sites with two forms of ID, one of which should have your current address. IDs can include passports, credit cards, leases, bills, transcripts, and more.

Chicago has two sites in the Loop that open Thursday. But if you don’t want to trek downtown, 

. You can vote at any site no matter where you live.

, and make sure your mail-in ballot is postmarked on or before Election Day. You can also drop off your ballot at a 

The presidential race is getting a lot of attention, but don’t forget about the rest of your ballot like the races for 

Chicago’s partially elected school board

Plus, voters will also weigh in on non-binding statewide referenda about 

IVF, property taxes, and election security

Over the next few weeks, we’ll dive deeper into those topics. Stay tuned!

Early voting for the Nov. 5 general election begins in Chicago this week, so here's what to know before you submit your ballot.

What to Know About Voting in Chicago

Is 2024 flying by scary fast for anyone else? Luckily, October in Chicago is a treat — not a trick.

 in Washington Park? My family has been shopping at 

 in Portage Park for years. Plus, immersive experiences like 

 in West Town mean you can celebrate Halloween early!

The National Museum of Mexican Art’s annual Día de los Muertos ofrenda will honor people who have died. If you want to reserve a space on the altar for your late relative, 

If you don’t want to wait in line on Election Day, vote early or by mail! 

 at the downtown supersite starts this week and in wards Oct. 21. Halloween is the last day to 

The Chicago Marathon on Oct. 13 is expected to have a record-breaking 50,000 participants. Spectators can head to 

. And runners, stay tuned for a carb-loading guide …

Chicago Architecture Center’s Open House

 is a week later. You’re probably not going to be able to hit all 170-plus sites Oct. 19–20, but plan an ambitious route and maybe you can see the Pullman Artspace Lofts and the birthplace of Walt Disney in Hermosa in a single day.

It’s been a big year for Indigenous people in Illinois, who got 

 in the west suburbs after 200 years. Honor Illinois’ Indigenous people with a 

 in Evanston Oct. 14. Anyone is welcome at a powwow, but 

. What better way to give trick-or-treaters a Very Chicago Halloween™️ than with sweets with local roots? We’re talking about everything from Skittles to Baby Ruths 🍬 Or skip the grocery store entirely and head to a candy shop like 

🤤 Plus, October's best bites

Your Guide to October 2024 in Chicago

Find the best of everything that Chicago has to offer.

Chicago’s Best

Chicago's Best

How do you feel about Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump’s debate tonight? Nervous? Hopeful? Scared?

, the campaign season has stirred up all kinds of emotions as the Nov. 5 election nears.

Room to Breathe therapist Kelsey Schroeder works with Chicagoans to navigate election-based anxiety. She shares tips ahead of tonight’s debate and an 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

How does election anxiety affect people’s everyday lives? 

“For some folks, election anxiety is very much evident in their everyday functioning of how they interact, what they consume on social media, who they talk to.” 

“For others, it can be more of a low hum in the background of an awareness that November is looming.”

“There is a component of just saying updated right now that requires a lot of emotional energy. And I think for a lot of folks, it can feel like something new is happening every day.”

In addition to breathwork and setting boundaries, how does community fit into fighting election anxiety?

“Part of election-based anxiety is also existential anxiety and fear of what it means to be isolated, what it means to feel disconnected, what it means to not have access to resources. One way that we combat it is by being engaged in neighborhood work.”

“Community can be as big or as little as you want it to be. And community can happen within a group of two.”

What advice do you have for people tuning into the debate?

“Before you go into watching it, think about what do you want to get out of it? What are you curious about? What are your expectations? And what may you need to re-regulate if you feel dysregulated during it or after it?”

 Friday is from 6–8 p.m. If you register but can’t attend in real time, you can view the recording for up to eight days.

This campaign season has stirred up all kinds of emotions as the Nov. 5 election nears. 

elections

Your Last-Minute Election Guide

Chicago’s Biggest Political Moments of 2024

The Election Results We Know (So Far)

Latest articles

Your Last-Minute Election Guide

Chicago’s Biggest Political Moments of 2024

The Election Results We Know (So Far)

The Best Chicago 2024 Voting Guides

Illinois Races We’re Watching

What to Know About Chicago's School Board Elections

What to Know About Voting in Chicago

Latest articles

The Best Chicago 2024 Voting Guides

Illinois Races We’re Watching

What to Know About Chicago's School Board Elections

What to Know About Voting in Chicago

Your Guide to October 2024 in Chicago

How to Deal With Election Anxiety

This Kamala Harris Impersonator Has Chicago Ties, N'Kay?