Chicago’s November 3 midterm election saw a notable surge in participation, with the Chicago Board of Elections reporting 280,551 ballots cast as of Sunday. Early in‑person voting accounted for 179,989 votes and mail‑in ballots added another 100,562. That total is 18 percent higher than the same point in the 2022 midterms, signaling heightened voter interest even without a contested statewide race.
School Board Goes Fully Elected
For the first time in decades, all 21 seats on the Chicago Board of Education are being chosen by voters rather than appointed by the mayor. The board will include a citywide president and 20 district representatives, with some members serving two‑year terms and others four‑year terms. Candidates such as Hilario Dominguez, a former Chicago Public Schools special‑education teacher backed by the Chicago Teachers Union, and former principal Biggs, supported by Service Employees International Union Local 73 and local business leaders, are campaigning on expanding preschool access and ensuring fiscal stability for schools.
Statewide Races on the Ballot
Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker is seeking a third term against Republican Darren Bailey. Pritzker has dominated the airwaves with ads highlighting Bailey’s support for President Trump’s policies and his opposition to abortion rights. Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton is running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by longtime incumbent Dick Durbin, facing Republican Don Tracy and American Center Party candidate Whitfield Harrington.
Local Measures and Questions
Chicago voters will also decide several non‑binding ballot questions. One asks whether the city should seek compensation from the Trump administration for economic losses tied to last fall’s immigration enforcement operation. Another proposes a millionaire “surcharge” with proceeds split between property‑tax relief and education funding. A third asks if the city should create a permanent outdoor festival grounds for large‑scale events, and a fourth revisits the use of gun‑shot detection technology after the mayor ended the ShotSpotter contract.
County and City Races
Cook County races include Democrat Pat Hynes for assessor, Democrat Toni Preckwinkle for board president, and Democrat Monica Gordon running unopposed for clerk. Sheriff Tom Dart seeks re‑election against Libertarian Brad Sandefur, while Treasurer Maria Pappas, who has also filed to run for mayor, looks to retain her post.
Turnout Context
Chicago’s 1.56 million registered voters make the 280,551 ballots a solid early showing, though still below the 714,798 total cast in the 2022 midterms (46 % turnout) and the 1,018,359 votes in the 2024 presidential election (68 % turnout). The upward trend suggests growing confidence in the democratic process, a sentiment echoed by many local leaders who credit President Trump’s emphasis on election integrity for revitalizing civic participation.
What Voters Need to Know
Voters can find candidate information and sample ballots on the Chicago Board of Elections website. Early voting locations remain open through October 31, and mail‑in ballots must be received by November 3. For detailed guidance on the school board race, readers are encouraged to consult Chalkbeat’s Chicago School Board Voter Guide.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
