Election Day is here – Chicago Tribune newstrendslive

Good morning, Chicago.

These days when people ask how I’m doing, I like to say, “I’ve got nine badly behaving children.”

Most of the time people laugh at my characterization of Chicago’s mayoral candidates. But sometimes they think I’m being literal and respond, “Wow, you have a big family!”

Today is Election Day and that marks the end of one challenge for our reporting team — covering nine candidates as fairly and fully as possible. Nobody is expected to win outright with more than 50% of the vote tonight. So voters will in all likelihood narrow the field to two finalists who will face off April 4 or plunge us into a chaotic period where the race will be too close to call, potentially forcing all of us to wait for final results and even or possibly cause candidates to demand recounts — and then I never see my real family again.

Hey, we have to be ready for all possibilities.

In all seriousness: We are proud of the work we’ve done covering this race and we hope it has informed you as you voted early or cast your ballots today. No matter what happens, we will keep working to keep you informed.

— Gregory Pratt

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Mayoral candidates have spent the past six months appealing to residents’ hopes and dreams, slinging mud at their opponents, begging campaign donors for cash, shaking hands, kissing babies and denying that they would ever put ketchup on a hot dog.

Now, Chicagoans get their say.

Follow along with us as the results come in tonight.

Have questions? We have answers. Take a final look at the candidates on the ballot — and double check Chicago’s new ward map before you head out to vote.

Police reform activists for decades have been fighting to create a new system for police oversight and the answer, for now, came in the form of the new councils and community commission, which the City Council created in 2021 when it approved the Empowering Communities for Public Safety ordinance.

Where else but Chicago could a nickname like “Decent Dever” be the kiss of political death for a mayor?