Civic Engagement

What the Gov

BGA Engagement Editor Mia Sato takes reader questions related to Illinois government and upcoming elections and tracks down the answers.

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What the Gov

What The Gov: What Does It Mean To Have Six Democratic Socialists on the Chicago City Council?

A slew of democratic socialists now sit on the Chicago City Council. How did that happen, and what does that mean for city politics?
Jul 2, 2019 11:00 AM
What the Gov

What The Gov: Why Is She Called 'Alderman'?

The term “alderman” is used for all Chicago City Council members, regardless of gender. Some incoming aldermen say it’s time to update the title.
Apr 18, 2019 6:00 AM
What the Gov

What the Gov: What Do The Mayoral Candidates Have to Say About The Environment?

Here's how Toni Preckwinkle and Lori Lightfoot's platforms compare on key environmental issues in Chicago, plus what activists want to see from the new mayor.
Mar 28, 2019 4:30 PM
What the Gov

What the Gov: Here Are the Ballot Measures in the Feb. 26 Chicago Elections

Though there aren't any citywide measures, voters in some wards and precincts will weigh in on rent control, marijuana funds and more.
Feb 21, 2019 11:00 AM
What the Gov

What the Gov: What Should I Know About the Proposed Public Bank of Chicago?

A proposal for a public bank has voters scratching their heads. Chicago is one of dozens of cities and states that are exploring or discussing similar proposals.
Jan 29, 2019 9:00 AM
What the Gov

What the Gov: We Know About the Mayor’s Race — What Else Is on The Ballot on Feb. 26?

Yes, there are offices up for election besides the crowded pool for Chicago mayor. And though you might not hear about these as often, voters should start taking note.
Dec 13, 2018 11:00 AM
What the Gov

What the Gov: A Chicago Voter’s Last-Minute Guide to Ballot Measures

Straws, weed, property taxes and more. Here’s what Chicago voters should know about the referendum questions that will appear on their ballots.
Nov 2, 2018 2:15 PM
What the Gov

What the Gov: I’m New to Illinois… How Do I Vote?!

New voters regularly move to Illinois hoping to exercise their right to vote. Here’s what you should know about being registered in two states and how to cast a ballot in Illinois.
Oct 26, 2018 4:00 PM
What the Gov

What the Gov: If I Voted Republican in a Primary, Can I Vote Democrat in the General?

Illinois primary elections force voters to ask for a partisan ballot. From primaries to the general in November, here’s what you should know about party identification and voting.
Oct 19, 2018 3:30 PM
What the Gov

What the Gov: Is the Illinois Board of Elections Ready For Hackers in November?

The state diagnosed problems and got federal money to address them. But the election is just weeks away and the state is racing to scale cybersecurity programs statewide, especially for local bodies with the greatest need. It’s unclear whether they’ll get this done by Nov. 6.
Oct 2, 2018 4:30 PM

What the Gov

What The Gov: What Does It Mean To Have Six Democratic Socialists on the Chicago City Council?

What The Gov: Why Is She Called 'Alderman'?

What the Gov: What Do The Mayoral Candidates Have to Say About The Environment?

What the Gov: Here Are the Ballot Measures in the Feb. 26 Chicago Elections

What the Gov: What Should I Know About the Proposed Public Bank of Chicago?

What the Gov: We Know About the Mayor’s Race — What Else Is on The Ballot on Feb. 26?

What the Gov: A Chicago Voter’s Last-Minute Guide to Ballot Measures

What the Gov: I’m New to Illinois… How Do I Vote?!

What the Gov: If I Voted Republican in a Primary, Can I Vote Democrat in the General?

What the Gov: Is the Illinois Board of Elections Ready For Hackers in November?