Chicago's 2024 voter guide
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The 2024 voting season officially kicks off Sept. 26 with early voting starting in some counties and the first mail-in ballots being sent to voters.
Why it matters: This election is a biggie, with a highly consequential presidential race, several state and U.S. congressional matchups, a Chicago school board election for the first time, a Cook County state's attorney contest, and several local referenda.
Important dates:
- Sept. 26: Early voting starts in some counties and the first vote-by-mail ballots will be mailed out to voters.
- Oct. 3: First day of early voting at the Chicago Board of Elections supersite (191 N. Clark) and CBOE Offices (69 W. Washington St.).
- Oct. 8: Last day for regular voter registration or transfer of registration.
- Oct. 9: First day of grace period/same-day registration and voting.
- Oct. 20: Last day to register to vote online on the Illinois State Board of Elections website.
- Oct. 21: First day of early voting at sites in all 50 wards.
- Oct. 31: Last day to apply for a vote-by-mail ballot.
- Nov. 4: Last day of early voting.
- Nov. 5: Election Day.
Cook County State's Attorney: Eileen O'Neill Burke (D) vs. Bob Fioretti (R)
In Democratic stronghold Cook County, Republicans have held this seat only three times in the last 90 years, the last time being in 1996.
The Democrat: During the primary Judge O'Neill Burke was cast as less progressive than her opponent but both candidates' stated positions were actually similar and not far from current State's Attorney Kim Foxx.
The Republican: A former Democratic alderperson, Fioretti switched to the Republican Party in 2022 and says he wants to reform some provisions of the state's bail reform law.
Illinois congressional races to watch
Every Illinois congressional seat is up for election this year, but some are more competitive than others.
The big picture: In 2021, the Democratic majority in Springfield redrew the congressional districts, much to the chagrin of state Republicans. The map favors incumbent Democrats, who already hold 14 of the 17 seats.
Yes, but: National Republicans believe they have a shot to flip a seat or two in November.
State House and Senate races to watch
Illinois Speaker of the House Chris Welch is downright giddy about state Democrats' chances to increase their supermajority.
The big picture: Welch and other state Democrats credit Vice President Kamala Harris' ascension to the top of the presidential ticket for their optimism, something they didn't have a few months ago.
State of play: Democrats have a huge advantage in Illinois. They hold 78 of the 118 House seats while having the majority of seats in the state Senate too.
The other side: Republicans are fighting back by changing their leadership. Kathy Salvi took over as chair of the Illinois GOP this summer.
Chicago Board of Education
In this election, voters have the option to select Chicago's first partially elected school board.
The big picture: The current seven-member board is appointed by the mayor, but after November's election, the Board will increase to 21 members, 10 of whom are elected and the remaining 11 filled by Mayor Brandon Johnson.
State of play: 32 candidates are on November's ballot representing 10 districts. Voters select one person to represent the district where they live and the mayor will pick the second member of each district, plus the board president.