For those of you who were hoping that eligibility issues would be derail the damning sense of inevitability that is the Rahm Emanuel mayoral campaign, you're hoping in vain. more ›

Governor Quinn is in favor of having "open" primary elections and has gone so far as to insert language to that effect into some election-related legislation. There are questions as to whether what Quinn did is legal, and it will certainly face a challenge in Springfield, but not because of its legal ramifications. Lawmakers in the General Assembly use separate primary ballots to target voters for future campaign donations and to keep tabs on who's actually voting. more ›

Today is the first day for mayoral and aldermanic candidates to file their petitions to be included on the February ballot. With a deadline of next Monday, we could see prospective candidates rushing to have their names included on the ballot. more ›

A new poll conducted by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University finds Bill Brady holding a nine-point lead over Governor Pat Quinn as the gubernatorial race heads into its final weeks. Which begs the question: How milquetoast does Pat Quinn have to be to be trailing Brady? more ›

Early voting opened across Illinois today, although you may be hard pressed to find an open station in Cook County with this being Columbus Day and all. In Chicago, early voting stations are open right now at the city elections board office at 69 W. Washington St., the 22nd District Police headquarters at 1900 W. Monterey and at Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside. The polling stations will be open until 5 p.m. today. more ›

It what may be the most hotly contested teacher's union election in recent memory, Chicago's public school teachers will decided which, if any, of five candidates will head the third largest teacher's union in the nation. Incumbent President Marilyn Stewart is running for re-election, challenged by former CTU President Deborah Lynch, who, Stewart ousted in 2004. Karen Lewis, a teacher at King College Prep and head of a caucus that has gone after the Chicago School Board, Ted Hajiharis, a union staff rep and CTU tresurer Linda Porter, both defectors from Stewart's camp make up the outsiders. more ›

Gov. Quinn signed a bill today that shifts state primaries back a bit on the calendar. The primaries had been moved in 2007, allegedly to help out home-state then-candidate Barack Obama, according to CBS 2. But the more skeptical pundits suggested it was to help incumbents by assuring lower turnout, which certainly happened this year. Either way, the next time around - 2012 - the state primary will be March 3. Said Gov. Quinn via press release: "Having the general primary election in March will increase voter turnout and encourage the people to have a greater voice in the election process, which is what democracy is all about. It provides voters with more time to delve into the issues and to know the candidates who seek to represent them." more ›

Yesterday, we lamented a little bit about the general state of electoral politics after the special election in Massachusetts. Today, we weep are outraged over the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn a century old law banning corporations from directly using money to influence federal elections. more ›

Yesterday, we mentioned a group Iranian-Americans who planned to protest the recent controversial election (which is being understated about it) with a rally downtown. But this morning comes a report from CBS 2 that the group had a parade permit denied by the city. No reason was given for the denial. The New York Times has a good running update on the situation in Iran. more ›

If you live in the area's Fifth U.S. Congressional District, Precinct 36 in the 19th Ward, or any of the many suburbs with elections going on today, don't forget to vote on the way home tonight. Many eyes will be on the Fifth CD race with County Commissioner Mike Quigley the expectant winner in a race with an expected low turnout. Polls will be open until 7 p.m. for both city and county elections. more ›

Mayoral and municipal primaries are being held in some Chicago 'burbs today. Don't forget to vote if you live in Cicero, Berwyn, Calumet City, Waukegan, North Chicago, Elgin and Dolton. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. more ›

“If I fight on in my campaign, all the way to the convention… I forestall the launch of a national campaign, and frankly I would be making it easier for Sen. Clinton or Obama to win... Frankly, in this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign be a part of aiding a surrender to terror.

It wasn't just Presidential candidates that were running for nominations in yesterday's vote. A handful of local Democrats and Republicans also ran for their party's spot on the November ballot as well. more ›

Getting ready for tomorrow's big election action, we can't help but notice how much Obama-inspired art, design and crafting we've been seeing. more ›

favorite candidate in the February 5 primary here in Illinois? Forgot to register to vote yesterday? It's not too late! more ›