James Kirchner
James Kirchner
Before May 3, slating was the only way new candidates could still get on the ballot before the 2024 general election. House Democrats filed and passed the rule change within 72 hours. James Kirchner had already put time and effort into the slating process, so he’s among the candidates planning to sue over the new...
Lawmakers take all 3 advisory question spots on November ballot
Lawmakers take all 3 advisory question spots on November ballot
Illinois lawmakers gave voters three issues on which they can offer opinions during the November election. They filled all the available ballot spots, leading a group with their own advisory question to cry ‘foul.’
By Dylan Sharkey
Carl Kunz
Carl Kunz
“I told people, ‘You’re either part of the problem or part of the solution.’ When you just complain and you’re not going to do anything about it, you’re likely a part of the problem. By running for office, I felt like I was able to be part of the solution.”
Editorial: State lawmakers in Springfield pass bill to cut off competition in 78 races
Editorial: State lawmakers in Springfield pass bill to cut off competition in 78 races
Why did SB 2412 need to pass on May 2, in the middle of the election cycle, weeks after the primary election but still well ahead of the November general election? Many candidates had already started the complicated process of petition gathering and paperwork under the old rules. What justifies changing those rules in the middle of the game?
By Hilary Gowins
Leslie Collazo
Leslie Collazo
On May 2, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed an election law change in the middle of a campaign year. It ends “slating,” a process through which candidates could be put on the general election ballot by local parties after the primary election. There are 78 active Statehouse races affected, many with potential candidates who had put...
Chicago among 4 of 15 largest cities unable to recall mayor
Chicago among 4 of 15 largest cities unable to recall mayor
One Chicago resident is petitioning to give people the power to recall Chicago’s mayor. He needs more than 56,000 fellow voters to agree before it can be placed on the November ballot.
By Dylan Sharkey
Bill would broaden Illinois agency’s emergency powers
Bill would broaden Illinois agency’s emergency powers
A bill expanding emergency powers for a state agency passed the Illinois Senate and is in the Illinois House. Gov. J.B. Pritzker declared COVID-19 an emergency for more than 3 years, so why is the bill needed?
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois Primary Election Day: How to vote
Illinois Primary Election Day: How to vote
March 19 is Primary Election Day in Illinois. Here’s a guide on how, when and where to vote.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois’ political corruption keeps people down
Illinois’ political corruption keeps people down
Public corruption is one of the factors hampering social mobility in Illinois, according to a recent report.
By Joe Tabor
Elections board appeals decision on Chicago Mayor Johnson’s real estate tax plan
Elections board appeals decision on Chicago Mayor Johnson’s real estate tax plan
The Chicago Board of Elections will appeal a Cook County judge’s ruling that Johnson’s $100 million real estate tax plan on the March 19 ballot is unconstitutional and invalid.
By Dylan Sharkey
Bill would give Illinois voters power to change how state is run
Bill would give Illinois voters power to change how state is run
Illinois lawmakers will consider expanding the power for citizens to amend the Illinois Constitution through petitions, including for issues such as term limits and to end gerrymandering.
By Dylan Sharkey
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s motorcade racks up moving violations
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s motorcade racks up moving violations
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s drivers accumulated 14 traffic tickets for speeding or running red lights – with 12 still unpaid – totaling $1,640.
By Dylan Sharkey
Opinion: Brandon Johnson’s ‘moderate’ problem
Opinion: Brandon Johnson’s ‘moderate’ problem
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson faces many challenges, but his biggest may be the loss of faith from moderate voters. Without their trust, he’ll have a tough time getting the higher taxes he seeks March 19.
By Hilary Gowins