Chicago's Run-off Election is Tomorrow!

Election season here in Chicago continues with the run-off election tomorrow April 2, 2019. Here are some things you need to know.

Who's on the ballot? 

For those of us living in the City of Chicago, here’s what will be on the ballot on April 2^nd.

• Mayor
  • Lori Lightfoot
  • Toni Preckwinkle
• City Treasurer
  • Melissa Conyers-Ervin
  • Ameya Pawar
• Aldermanic Candidates
  • For those living in Wards 5, 6, 15, 16, 20, 21, 25, 30, 31, 33, 39, 40, 43, 46, 47, candidates for alderman will also be on the ballot. 

How to Vote

As we have written about in the past, polling place accessibility is a problem many seniors and people with disabilities face. Not all polling places in Chicago are fully accessible but the election board does offer alternatives to make sure that voters are able to vote privately and independently, so it's important to be informed about your options. 

There are a number of ways that you can vote in the municipal elections. But first things first, make sure you are registered to vote in Chicago. Here’s where you can check on your voter registration status.  

 1. Vote by Mail 

It’s too late to apply for a mail-in ballot. For those of you that have already received your mail-in ballot, remember to mail your completed ballot by the end of the day on April 2^nd. Here’s more information about voting by mail.

 2. Early Voting

If you are not able to get to the polls on election day, voting early is an option. Here’s where you can go to vote early. You can also register to vote at early voting locations.

Today is the last day to vote early. Some locations will be open until 7 PM but not all of them, so be sure to double check what time the early voting location closes. Here’s where you can find out when your early voting center closes.

 3. Voting on Election Day

Most people prefer to vote on Election Day. You can use this finder to identify where your polling place is. Remember, you don’t need an ID to vote in Chicago unless you are voting for the first time and registered by mail without verification. Polls open at 6 AM and close at 7 PM tomorrow. 

Remember, your vote matters!

Last month we asked some of our intergenerational housing residents about the election and what voting means to them. One of them told us why she thinks it is important: “It’s a way to make your voice heard.”

Unfortunately, voter turnout for the mayoral election on February 26^th was at a near record low. Only 34% of registered voters voted in the municipal election.

Have a friend or family member that didn’t vote? A little bit of peer pressure might help them get to the polls. You don’t have to shame them for not voting, you can simply remind them to vote or you can set up a time to meet up, go vote together and grab a meal after. You can spend time together and do your civic duty at the same time.

For you parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and mentors out there, we encourage you to make voting an intergenerational activity. Bring young people to the polls with you!

Voting gives us the opportunity to make our opinions known and voting in local elections is especially important.

Get out there and vote, Chicago!

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