Today -- Feb. 28 -- is Election Day in Chicago. Voters can cast their ballots for the next mayor in the highly anticipated competitive race as incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot seeks reelection against eight challengers.
Voters will also decide the aldermen who will represent their communities, with more than a dozen open seats on the City Council. And, for the first time, they’ll elect more than 60 representatives for district councils, who will work to improve policing and public safety in their areas.
Incumbents seeking reelection for two other citywide offices on the ballot — city clerk and city treasurer — have no challengers. Here’s a full list of the candidates on Chicago’s ballots, and non-binding referenda in some wards.
Here’s what you need to know to cast your ballot.
Where can I vote on Election Day?
Voting will be open on Election Day from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Some city precincts recently changed their voting locations, so check before you go. You can find your polling places here.
Registered voters in Chicago do not need to bring any forms of ID with them to cast a ballot. But an ID could be required if an election judge challenges the voter’s right to vote or the voter turned in a mail-in registration form that did not have an Illinois driver’s license or Social Security number.
I just moved. Can I still vote at my old polling place?
Yes, if you’ve moved less than 31 days before the election, you can vote at your old polling place.
I voted early, but I changed my mind. Can I change my vote?
No, you can’t. If you’ve already submitted a ballot by mail or in early voting, you cannot vote again.
How can I vote by mail?
All vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked by Feb. 28 in order for them to be counted. Ballots can also be submitted via dropbox before Election Day.
Also, use a felt-tip pen when you mark your ballot. Do not use a red one, because ballot scanners can’t read red ink.
You can apply to cast your ballot by mail in all elections going forward by completing this application.
I requested a mail-in ballot, but I’d rather vote in person now. Can I do that?
Yes. If you requested a mail-in ballot but decide to vote in person, you have to turn in your mail-in ballot when you go in person. If you lost it or never got it, you’ll need to sign an affidavit saying so before you can vote.
Can I bring notes with me in the booth to vote?
Yes. Notes, sample ballots and endorsements are all allowed to be brought with you into a polling booth.
Can I bring my young child with me to vote?
Yes, you can.
Can I still register to vote?
First, you can check your registration status on the city’s website.
To register for the first time or update your registration, you have several options — you can go online and register, you can download an application and mail it in or you can call 312-269-7851 and request an application be mailed to you.
You can also register the same day you vote in person, as long as you bring the right documentation.
Read more of WBEZ’s coverage of Chicago Elections 2023.
