Final day for mayoral candidates to file petitions for the ballot

Final day for mayoral candidates to file petitions for the ballot
U.S. Rep. Danny Davis filed his nominating paperwork last Monday. (WBEZ/Sam Hudzik) WBEZ/Sam Hudzik
Final day for mayoral candidates to file petitions for the ballot
U.S. Rep. Danny Davis filed his nominating paperwork last Monday. (WBEZ/Sam Hudzik) WBEZ/Sam Hudzik

Final day for mayoral candidates to file petitions for the ballot

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Monday is the final day for candidates for city offices in Chicago to turn in their election paperwork, and a couple mayor hopefuls still haven’t filed their petitions.

When the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners closed for the weekend, nine candidates had filed to run for mayor. The list includes some big names, like U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, D-Chicago, and ex-White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel. It also includes some lesser-knowns, such as hypnotherapist Jay Stone and music producer and author Tyrone Carter.

At least two more people are expected to file Monday: state Senator James Meeks and community activist Bill “Dock ” Walls. Walls last week said he wants to turn in his petition last. If that happens, Walls will get the last spot on the ballot, a position he hopes would help his name stick out in what could be a long list of candidates.

Still unknown is how many names will end up on the ballot. Over the next week, campaigns may file objections against each other’s petitions. Those challenges would be decided by the three-member election board, and - if necessary - the courts.