NBC Chicago is reporting that early voting numbers for the municipal election are nearly tripled the numbers for the 2007 municipal election, which they say is not bad. "(C)onsidering early polling stations were closed for two-and-a-half days during the blizzard, it's considered a success." more ›

Here's a budding politician with a residency issue not named Rahm Emanuel. Meet Sylvester "Junebug" Hendricks, a self-styled "Obamaican" (that's a Republican who supports Barack Obama) who's made a habit in recent years in running for various offices. Currently, Hendricks is looking to run for 5th Ward Alderman against incumbent Leslie Hairston. The only thing holding Hendircks back is a permanent address; he's homeless. more ›

Today is the day where Rahm Emanuel takes the stand in his residency challenge to defend the bona fides he provided that he feels proves he is a Chicago resident and, therefore, qualified to run for Mayor under the letter of the law. While most of us are hoping for one of those classic Emanuel flares of temper, it'll most likely wind up being, for the most part, a standard legal proceeding. No "you can't handle the truth" outbursts here. more ›

Langdon Neal, chairman of the Chicago Board of Elections, told the press last night, "We are headed for very low turnout today, we'll be lucky to get 30 percent." He also indicated that it could be below 24 percent, which he said, "would be embarrassing." As of this post, Neal can breathe a small sigh of relief as the Board of Elections is reporting a turnout of around 26 percent. Not that that's really any better. Democrats made up 90.7 percent of the city's vote, Republicans made up 8.8 percent, and Green party voters the final half percent. If these numbers hold, that means 74 percent of city voters don't get to complain about last night's results. more ›