It’s a Chicago tradition: Monday was the first day candidates could submit signatures to get on the ballot for the Feb. 26 citywide elections. It’s a day that officially kicks off campaign election season in Chicago, and it was a bleary-eyed, show-boating political circus. WBEZ’s Claudia Morell was there. She explains what happened and what’s next.

We’ll be back with full episodes next week. Happy Thanksgiving!

Each week at On Background, WBEZ’s team of political reporters brings you the backstory on the week’s big story. Host Becky Vevea and guests take you inside the back rooms of Chicago and Illinois government to better understand the people, places and forces shaping today’s politics.