WBEZ 91.5 Chicago

The idea behind a referendum is to give voters a direct voice in making their community better. These ballot questions can cover anything from stem-cell research to the fate of an empty lot. They may be binding or just advisory. Last month, referenda were on ballots in nine Chicago precincts.

Updated At: 10:40 p.m.  New numbers from West Side wards, where runoffs seem likely in the 24th, 25th, 36th and 38th wards.Alderman Ward 1224 of 24 precincts - 100 percentGeorge Cardenas, (i) 2,680 - 55 percentJose Guereca, 911 - 19 percentJesse Iñiguez, 796 - 16 pe

Politicians around the city are making their final push for votes in Chicago's mayoral and aldermanic races. The 26th ward on the city's west side is home to something of a David and Goliath story with an 18-year-old going up against an experienced politician.

Chicago mayoral hopeful Miguel del Valle has decent name recognition after serving four years as city clerk and, earlier, two decades as an Illinois state senator. He’s winning support in the race from some progressive activists.But he’s got a problem closer to home.

A skirmish is breaking out between the only Puerto Ricans among 20 candidates for Chicago mayor. Rev.

Mayor Richard Daley’s administration is asking a Chicago mayoral contender to step down from a city zoning panel. Daley spokeswoman Jackie Heard says Rev.