When are the 2011 Chicago elections?
>> Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011
What positions are being filled in the 2011 Municipal Elections?
>> Mayor of Chicago
>> City Clerk
>> City Treasurer
>> All 50 City Alderman positions
Am I registered to vote in Chicago?
>> Enter your name and zip code here. If you’re registered, it will also give you your polling place location.
Where is my polling place?
>> Enter your name and zip code here, and it will tell you where to vote. If you’ve moved since the last election, make sure you check to see where your new polling place is before you go—your vote won’t count if you vote in the wrong precinct.
What time are the polls open in Chicago?
>> 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Can I vote early?
>> For all registered voters, early voting is available January 31 – February 17, Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for Lincoln’s Birthday on Fri., Feb. 11. You can early vote at the Chicago Board of Elections (69 W. Washington), or vote at your ward’s early voting location, found here. To vote early, you must bring ID (a driver’s license, state ID card, or passport).
What’s grace period voting? Does that mean I can still register and vote even though I missed the January 25th registration deadline?
>> If you missed the January 25 registration deadline, you can register and vote in person during “grace period voting” at the Chicago Board of Elections through February 15. To cast your grace period vote, go to 69 West Washington Street, 6th Floor, Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring two forms of ID, one of which has your current address. A state-issued photo ID and a utility bill in your name are examples of acceptable ID.
Do I need an ID to vote in the Chicago Municipal Elections?
- Anyone who early votes must bring a government issued photo ID.
- If you have voted from your current address before, you do not need ID to vote on Election Day.
- If you’ve changed your address or are voting for the first time at your polling place, you should bring a government issued photo ID to vote on Election Day.
Do I need to bring my voter ID card from the Illinois Board of Elections?
>> No, but you may need to provide a government-issued photo ID as we explained above.
Who should I vote for?
>> That is, of course, entirely up to you. While the BGA does not endorse candidates for public office, we can recommend tools to help you decide:
- An unofficial list of the candidates can be found here.
- Both the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times have compiled information on the Municipal Election candidates.
What is the schedule for candidate debates and forums?
>> There are a variety of mayoral forums and debates planned. Many require advanced registration or membership in a hosting club. You can find information on future mayoral events on WBEZ’s website.
What’s a runoff election?
>> In order to win an elected position in the 2011 Municipal Elections, a candidate must receive a majority, or more than 50 percent of the votes. If no candidate wins on February 22, the top two candidates will compete in a run-off Supplementary Municipal Election on April 5, 2011.
I want to talk to a real person—are there telephone help lines I can call?
- You can call the Board of Election Commissioners for the City of Chicago: 312.269.7900
- Voter help line (TTY): 312.269.0027
- Voter help line (Español): 312.229.0820
- Voter help line (Polski): 312.223.0823
Where can I watch the Feb. 22 Chicago election returns?
>> The BGA’s Young Professionals Board is hosting a Mayoral Election Watch Party the night of the Municipal Elections. For more information, or to purchase tickets click here.
If there are resources we missed, please add them as a comment.
