8 hours ago - Environment
Chicago readers favor permanent standard time in Axios poll
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Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios
Earlier this week, we looked at President Trump's push to make daylight saving time permanent and what it could mean for Chicagoans, including winter sunrises after 8am.
- We also asked readers whether they'd prefer permanent daylight saving time, permanent standard time or sticking with the twice-yearly clock changes.
The results: More than 340 readers weighed in, and the answers were all over the clock!
- Permanent standard time led with 41% of the vote, followed by permanent daylight saving time (35%) and keeping the current system (24%).
A quick refresher: Permanent standard time would mean earlier summer sunrises and sunsets, while permanent daylight saving time would mean later winter sunrises and sunsets.
- In Chicago, permanent daylight saving time would push winter sunrises past 8am, while permanent standard time would mean summer sunsets an hour earlier than they are today.
What they're saying: Readers had plenty of thoughts about the annual clock-changing ritual. Some defended it, others wanted it gone, and a few made us laugh.
- "Given how divisive this issue is, perhaps we should split the year half-and-half between standard time and daylight saving time so that everyone gets a bit of what they want…oh wait." — Alexa M.
- "I'd rather it be dark when I'm going to work than when I'm leaving work." — Hunter G.
- "Standard time is more natural and more aligned with our circadian rhythm. As much as I detest a 4:30 sunset, late sunrise would be worse." — Connie B.
- "With the current system we get the best of both worlds: morning sun in winter and long evenings in summer. And it's no more of a shift for the body than taking your family to Disney World." — Bill B.
- "I love to walk after dinner, but not when it's dark. And, I postpone errands." — Patty M.
- "Love waking up early in the morning and love happy hour to be mellow and darker at night! Nothing like smooth easy jazz at sunset." — Joe B.
- "I think school/work should start an hour later in winter in IL but we should adopt DST year-round so the day feels longer, brighter." — Jen Y.
- "Changing the clocks and managing the sleep changes is annoying, but I need the morning light in the winter, and appreciate longer days in the summer, when we can actually take advantage of it!" — Maureen P.
- "Permanent standard time is better aligned with "body clocks," and it is far safer for kids waiting at bus stops." — Jan R.
- "I like the change of pace. Gives us something to gripe about twice a year!" — Chris H.