[Ed. note: Early voting for Chicago's April 5 runoff election begins today, March 14. Visit chicagoelections.com for more info. For suburban Cook County races and links to collar counties, visit voterinfonet.com.]

On February 22, I experienced my first Chicago municipal election. As milestones go, it isn’t the most impressive, but it is notable to me because it is the first time I participated in a system that incorporates runoff voting.  Past experiences with close city, state, and presidential elections have familiarized many of us with the aftermath of tight elections with no such system: protracted recounts, legal actions, widespread antipathy, and an elected official without a clear mandate.

Having admired the concept of runoffs from afar, I was interested to see how they change the feel of an election, in terms of inclusiveness, voter participation, and mitigation of the advantages of incumbency. Every campaign season, I hear voting strategies so complex and calculated that the ultimate result seems meaningless. I also hear people of all political persuasions bemoaning their inability to vote for their ideal candidate, in fear that they will act as spoilers.  Political players often exploit these fears by creating obstacles to third party participation. Or maybe even worse: Prior to the November 2010 election, I was appalled by a story about a group of Democrats promoting Tea Party candidates in an attempt to divide conservative voters, perhaps a trick taken from the GOP handbook.   Such cynical and desperate tactics undermine an important part of elections that exist separately from any desired electoral result: sharing ideas and becoming more engaged citizens.

Sound hopelessly optimistic?  There have been several examples of the impact runoff voting can have. The winner of 1990 Irish presidential election was a third-party reform candidate who placed second in the first round of voting behind the candidate of the dominant party, which had never before lost a presidential election. She won after votes were re-tallied by instant runoff voting (or ranked choice voting). In 2009 in Burlington, VT, a progressive third party candidate who was not leading after the first round of voting was eventually re-elected mayor (though instant runoff voting has since been repealed there).

These stories provide some evidence that runoff voting can promote representation of more diverse viewpoints, increase participation by individuals with less recognition and limited funds, and liberate from the status quo. There is a national referendum in the U.K. on May 5 to adopt what they call “alternative voting,” or “ranked choice voting,” for its Parliament, largely in response to the rise of third parties.

While Chicago doesn’t utilize instant (or ranked choice) voting, its sequential runoff system adds integrity to a city not really known for it.  One of the most interesting runoffs taking place April 5 in Chicago is the aldermanic (or city council) race in the 50^th Ward, which includes the city’s South Asian enclave.  Bernie Stone, a long-standing incumbent, is at risk of being unseated, achieving only a slim lead after the first round.  Stone (also vice mayor of the city) claims to support the local South Asian community, but his campaign conduct suggests otherwise.  Last summer, two of his campaign workers were convicted of manipulating absentee voters, specifically targeting Indians and Pakistanis.  Attorneys for the convicted men argued that they acted at the behest of Stone, who presented the puzzling defense that these actions do not constitute a serious crime. Regardless, such tactics are deeply disrespectful to the South Asian community and destructive to the democratic process.

I haven’t yet come to any conclusions after my brief encounter with runoffs. But if Stone is not re-elected after about 40 years, that will be a very notable milestone—and not just to me.

Guest blogger Harish Patel is a strategic thinker, organizer, and activist working on issues locally and globally.

I have been looking at this “loss” as a phenomenal opportunity to build for a vibrant, livable, healthy, educated, just, peaceful, and fair city.

Two thoughts have lingered in my head in the past few days:

• Change is slow and will not come from either the inside or the outside alone, but from the merger of the two.
• The Left needs to put just as much thought into unifying our own forces as we put into opposing/defeating the Right or the Tea Party.

I have never, before this moment of Daley’s resignation, involved myself in electoral politics. It was a deliberate decision that I made, hoping for a progressive change. I still stand by my belief that a public servant who is grounded in movement building and neighborhoods must be supported by progressive forces. In the past 5 months, I worked at and attended a lot of meetings and supported various new entities such as Chicago Votes, New Chicago 2011, Chicago A.D. (After Daley), Mayoral Tutorial, Progressive Alliance – Cook County and others. I supported various aldermanic candidates and a couple mayoral candidates. This has all been an amazing learning moment for me.

After hearing that Rahm won, I felt surprisingly rejuvenated, ready to work harder, and to put forth a smarter struggle. This election created an amazing educational opportunity for a lot of young folks–on the community, ward, and city levels. These young people are more connected and more inspired than ever before. These young people have more intergenerational opportunities than those before them had. These young people are watching revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and other places for democracy and are inspired. These young people are sick of waiting to get older to become engaged. These young people are gaining tools, building organizations, and learning tangible skills to run for election themselves on local and statewide levels.

All these aspects of the past 5 months make me happy, energized, and most importantly, hopeful for the Rahm Era.

Here are some more wins that make me hopeful:

• There is an immense desire, especially among young folks, to be involved.
• We are getting involved at a younger age. Ameya Pawar (age: 30) in the 47^th Ward. Hip Hop Generation is picking up steam, growing up, and getting involved. Example: Che Rhymefest Smith, Brian Sleet, Hector Gonzalez. Younger doesn’t always mean progressive, but in this case, it does.
• Younger people vote based on issues and not based on race or neighborhoods.
• Race Matters, but not as much in electoral politics as it used to. (Chicago’s racial demographics are changing.)
• There are various new networks, entities, organizations, progressive PACs, and c4 advocacy groups. Example: New Chicago 2011 Coalition.
• 14 runoffs in this election. Let’s especially keep an eye out for progressive forces in the 15^th (Foulkes), 20^th (Che Rhymefest), 25^th (Morfin), 45^th (Arena), and 50^th (against Stone) Wards.
• 12 aldermen retired.
• The power is split into Burke/Chico Collective, Rahm and the “reformers,” Daley and the Democratic Machine, and Del Valle and the Progressives. Possible campaign for progressive electoral campaign, post-Del-Valle camp?
• The forces around the Sweet Home Chicago ordinance, TIF reform, Clean Air Ordinance, and maybe electoral finance reform are getting stronger.

Let’s get to work. Let’s go back to our neighborhoods. Let’s get back to the movement. Let’s set up accountability structures. Let’s share our thoughts. Let’s celebrate.

“TO BE HOPEFUL in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness.

What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places—and there are so many—where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction.

And if we do act, in however small a way, we don’t have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory.”

— Howard Zinn

In solidarity and with a big hopeful smile,

Harish I. Patel

Reference Articles/Websites:

• Colorlines: Change Doesn’t Come from Inside or Outside Pressure–It’s Both
• Huffington Post: Hip-Hop Grows Up: Rhymefest, Gonzalez, Vargas And Sleet Run For Alderman With Hip-Hop Background
• B is for Blog: Chicago: We’ve Only Just Begun
• Progress Illinois: 2011 Chicago Aldermanic Run Offs Tracker
• Rock the Vote: Chicago: Young Voters Turn Out
• Center Square Journal: Aderman-elect Ameya Pawar: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
• Chicago Reporter: Voters in black wards supported Rahm more than all other candidates combined

• Chicago Votes
• Mayoral Tutorial
• Progressive Alliance – Cook County
• New Chicago 2011

Now that we’ve covered the basics and seen what our ballots will look like, let’s take a look at how the candidates have answered local organization’s questionnaires and how they are being rated.

(Please note: SAPAC’s election work is nonpartisan, and we do not officially endorse any particular candidates. This information is intended to serve only as a resource.)

Got a great resource we missed? Please leave a note in the comments.

Gender JUST
Gender JUST (Gender Justice United for Societal Transformation) is a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, and multi-generational grassroots organization of Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Queer, and Allied (LGBTQA) young people, LGBTQA people of color, and LGBTQA grassroots folks developing leadership and building power through organizing.

Windy City Times
Windy City Media Group serves the diverse communication needs of the gay and lesbian community. It is the only regional gay media group in the U.S. with multi-media projects, including an online podcast, two weekly publications, one monthly ethnic online magazine, and an online resource guide. (More election info available here.)

Equality Illinois
The mission of Equality Illinois is to secure, protect and defend equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Illinois. In partnership with LGBT organizations and community leaders, we are engaging in the contest for the next mayor of the City of Chicago. The non-partisan vote and candidate engagement process will include a series of community forums to identify the LGBT community’s key concerns and priorities for the mayoral candidates. Additionally, we will educate the candidates on our community’s concerns, and survey the candidates’ positions via a questionnaire. This non-partisan coalition that will not make candidate endorsements.

AIDS Foundation of Chicago (includes Aldermanic candidate responses)
The mission of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS and improve the lives of people affected by the epidemic.

Green Growth Platform
A questionnaire sponsored by Active Transportation Alliance, Alliance for the Great Lakes, Blacks in Green, Center for Neighborhood Technology, Chicago Recycling Coalition, Citizen Action/Illinois, Environmental Law & Policy Center, Environment Illinois, Friends of the Chicago River, Friends of the Forest Preserves, Friends of the Parks, Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, Metropolitan Planning Council, Nuclear Energy Information Services, Openlands, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, and Sierra Club/Illinois.

Arts Power Chicago
Arts Power Chicago is a coalition of arts organizations that have come together to make sure the voice of the arts industry is heard loud and clear in the 2011 Chicago election. We are a non-partisan campaign working to educate candidates and voters about the importance of the arts and arts education.

Catalyst Chicago
Catalyst Chicago is an independent newsmagazine created in 1990 to document, analyze and support school-improvement efforts in the Chicago Public Schools. It is published by the Community Renewal Society (CRS), a nonprofit organization founded in 1882 that works to create racially and economically just communities.

Teachers for Social Justice
Teachers for Social Justice (TSJ) is an organization of teachers, administrators, pre-service teachers, and other educators working in public, independent, alternative, and charter schools and universities in the Chicago area. We have come together based on our commitment to education for social justice. We are working toward classrooms and schools that are anti-racist, multicultural / multilingual, and grounded in the experiences of our students. We believe that all children should have an academically rigorous education that is both caring and critical, an education that helps students pose critical questions about society and “talk back” to the world.

Chicago Teachers Union
The Chicago Teachers Union is an organization of educators dedicated to advancing and promoting quality public education, improving teaching and learning conditions, and protecting members’ rights. Chicago Teachers Union affiliations include the Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL), the Illinois State Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (ISFL-CIO), the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT), and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).

Mikva Challenge – DearMayor.com
Mikva Challenge is a nonpartisan 501(c)3 organization that prioritizes the development of civic leadership in underserved Chicago high school youth. DearMayor.com was created by the Mikva Challenge Foundation to give Chicago’s youth a space to share with mayoral candidates their issues, their needs, their opinions, and most importantly their vision for Chicago.

IVI-IPO
The IVI–IPO (Independent Voters of Illinois – Independent Precinct Organization) has been dedicated to good government activism and an idealistic vision of open, honest government in Illinois through pragmatic means that confront cynicism and corruption with equal force. The organization’s primary tools are voter’s registration, voter information and candidate endorsement. We also lobby on behalf of governmental reforms designed to open the system and better inform the public on the political process.

Better Government Association
The BGA works for integrity, transparency, and accountability in government by exposing corruption and inefficiency; identifying and advocating effective public policy; and engaging and mobilizing the electorate to achieve authentic and responsible reform.

Chicago Reader

Chicago Sun-Times

Chicago Tribune

ABC 7 Chicago (includes Aldermanic candidate responses)

CBS Chicago

Chicago Mayoral Scorecard
Provides a list of candidates for the race for Mayor in Chicago. See who’s in and who they are through links, news, Tweets, Facebook, campaign contributions, and latest poll results.

Mayoral Tutorial
The Mayoral Tutorial is a weekly interactive, agitational, informational, educational, satirical town hall meeting hosted by Don Washington. Get schooled up on the candidates, get hip to the media narrative and let’s go pick a Mayor instead of being given another evil overlord. We want you to be dangerously informed.

Part 1: The Basics
Part 2: The Candidates

In Part 1 of the Election Guide, we covered the basics. In Part 2 we’ll take a look at the candidates and referenda on your ballot. (Part 3 will cover candidate questionnaires and scorecards.)

The offices for which everyone will vote, as they appear on the ballot, along with links to the candidates’ campaign websites:

Mayor

1. Rahm Emanuel
2. Miguel del Valle
3. Carol Moseley Braun
4. Gery J. Chico
7. Patricia Van Pelt Watkins
11. William Walls, III

City Clerk

21. Patricia Horton
25. Susana A. Mendoza

City Treasurer

31. Stephanie D. Neely

City Council (Aldermen)

You will also be voting for the Alderman for your Ward. The full list of candidates can be found HERE.

Remember that you can also see your own exact ballot HERE.

A simple web search will provide links to each candidate’s campaign website. If you have trouble finding a particular candidate’s site, please leave a comment below and we’ll help you locate it.

Referenda

Certain precincts in certain wards also have referenda questions on the ballot. You can use the links above for Aldermen to see the questions on your ballot.

Questions?

Please leave a comment below and we’ll answer it promptly.

COMING UP NEXT: Part 3: Candidate Scorecards!

Welcome to Part 1 of our Guide to the February 22, 2011 Chicago Municipal General Election. Here we’ll share the basic info you need to check your voter registration status, find your polling place, and know your voter rights.

In Part 2, we’ll provide a list of all the candidates and their campaign websites, as well as the referenda on your ballots.

In Part 3, we’ll take a look at candidate endorsements and scorecards provided by various progressive community organizations.

We hope this is a helpful resource for you. As always, we welcome your feedback and questions.

Now get out and VOTE!

• What are we voting for in Chicago?
• Do I have to declare a political party preference?
• What will my ballot look like? Where do I go to vote?
• What time are the polls open?
• Can I still register to vote?
• What is early voting and where/when can I do it?
• In-person absentee voting
• Absentee voting by mail
• What is a runoff?
• What kind of voting equipment will I use?
• What if I show up and they tell me I can’t vote?
• Know Your Rights
• Have more questions?

What are we voting for in Chicago?

In the February 22, 2011 Chicago Municipal General Election, voters will cast ballots that include:

• Mayor
• City Clerk
• City Treasurer
• Alderman in each of the city’s 50 Wards
• Various local referenda questions

Do I have to declare a political party preference?

No. The Municipal General Election is a nonpartisan election, and your ballot will contain all the offices, candidates, and referenda questions that apply to your location.

What will my ballot look like? Where do I go to vote?

Remember that you can print out your ballot, mark it up with your voting preferences, and take it into the voting booth with you. You do not have to vote on memory alone!

You can see and print your exact ballot and polling place at ChicagoElections.com.

What time are the polls open?

Polls are open from 6am to 7pm every Election Day.

Can I still register to vote?

No. “Grace Period” voter registration for this election ended February 15.

What is early voting and where/when can I do it?

Chicago voters have the option of voting before February 22. Early voting is open January 31 – February 17, 2011. You do not need to provide an excuse or reason why you cannot make it to the polls on Election Day. You need only to fill out an application at the Early Voting site.

Things to remember about Early Voting:

• Bring a photo ID: a current driver’s license, state-issued ID card, or another government-issued ID with a photograph.
• Early Voting is conducted on touch-screen machines.
• After casting ballots in Early Voting, voters may not return to amend, change or undo a ballot for any reason. Ballots cast in Early Voting are final.

Chicago Early Voting Locations

Most sites are open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm. The 69 W. Washington, Welles Park, and Mount Greenwood Park locations are also open Sundays 9am-5pm.

In-person absentee voting

Any voter needing or wishing to vote by absentee in the final four days prior to the election may vote an in-person absentee ballot.

For the Feb. 22, 2011 Election, in-person absentee voting will be conducted Feb. 18-21 at the Board of Elections office, 69 W. Washington. The hours are as follows:

• Friday, February 18–9am to 5pm
• Saturday, February 19–9am to 5pm
• Sunday, February 20–9am to noon
• Monday, February 21–9am to 5pm

Absentee voting by mail

Absentee voting by mail is a convenient way to cast your ballot if you are unable to get to your polling place on Election Day or to cast your ballot during Early Voting at a designated Early Voting site.

Any registered voter may apply for an absentee ballot. It is no longer necessary to provide a reason.

To obtain an absentee application, registered voters can:

• Download and print the application, or
• Call the Chicago Board of Elections at (312) 269-7967 to request that they mail you an application, or
• Pick one up at the Board of Elections office at 69 W. Washington.

The last day to apply for a mail-in absentee ballot is five days before the election (Feb. 17).

Visit the Board of Elections website for more information.

What is a runoff?

In Chicago, mayoral and aldermanic candidates must get more than 50 percent of the vote to win (e.g. 50 percent plus one). If that does not happen on Feb. 22, the two top vote-getters in each of those races compete in a runoff election on April 5, 2011.

What kind of voting equipment will I use?

You may choose to use a paper ballot or an electronic touch-screen machine. Instructions should be posted at your polling place; you can also ask an election judge for assistance. Visit the Board of Elections website for more info.

What if I show up and they tell me I can’t vote?

If you believe you are registered to vote and are at the correct polling place, ask for a “provisional ballot.” The election judges must provide you with at least a provisional ballot. They cannot turn you away. If they deny you the right to vote, call the Board of Elections office at (312) 269-7870. (Take the phone number with you to your polling place just in case.)

Don’t be shy about this. You know from previous elections that people tamper with elections. You have every right to cast your ballot without interference or intimidation. And you have every right to tell your election authority to come out to your polling place if anyone gives you trouble.

There are more rules and regulations about provisional voting that you should read. Please visit the following for more info:

Chicago – Here and here (Read the provisional ballot sections on both pages)

Know Your Rights

This is your Voter Bill of Rights. Read it – it’s important.

Voter Bill of Rights

1. Cast your ballot in a non-disruptive atmosphere free of interference.
2. Vote if you’re in line by 7pm.
3. Vote by provisional ballot if your registration is not found.
4. Vote a full ballot at your old polling place if you have moved within 30 days of the election.
5. Request voting assistance, if needed.
6. Bring newspaper endorsements or sample ballots into the voting booth.
7. Protect the secrecy of your ballot.
8. Receive a new ballot if you make a mistake or change your mind.
9. Review your ballot to ensure it’s complete and correct.
10. Have your ballot counted fairly and impartially.

Have more questions?

Lastly, if you have any questions at all about this year’s elections, please ASK ME in the comments section. I would be very happy to help you.

COMING UP NEXT: Part 2: The Candidates!

SAPAC is working with the Asian American Institute and a number of community organizations to mobilize Chicago’s entire pan-Asian community to vote in HUGE numbers on February 22. Here’s how you can contribute now:

We need to reach out to at least 1,000 infrequent registered voters in the 50th Ward before Election Day. We’ll be meeting on the following days in 2-hour shifts to do door-to-door canvassing and phone calling in the 50th Ward (we’ll provide you with training, maps, flyers, refreshments, and community service hours):

• Wed., Feb. 9: 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Meet at Dunkin Donuts, 3132 W. Devon Ave. (corner of Troy and Devon)
• Fri., Feb. 11: 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Meet at Dunkin Donuts, 3132 W. Devon Ave.

• Sat., Feb. 12:  10:00am – 12:00pm, 12:15pm – 2:15pm, 2:30pm – 4:30pm. Meet at Indo-American Center, 6328 N. California Ave. (corner of California and Devon)
• Wed., Feb. 16: 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Meet at Dunkin Donuts, 3132 W. Devon Ave.
• Fri., Feb. 18: 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Meet at Dunkin Donuts, 3132 W. Devon Ave.

• Sat., Feb. 19 and Sun., Feb. 20: 10:00am – 5:00pm. 2-3-hour shifts available. Meet at Indo-American Center. During these 48 hours, we’re going to reconnect with voters who have already heard from us through phone banking and door canvassing to confirm if they have already voted or have plans to vote on Feb. 22.

If you’re interested in volunteering on any of these days and being part of a historic election, please email Aisha Qidwae at aisha.qidwae@gmail.com. If you have any other questions about our voter mobilization work or the election, please email info@sapac.org.

Last updated Feb. 15

I’ve tried to compile a list of the remaining Chicago mayoral candidate forums for all our politically inclined readers.

Note that the Chicago Municipal Election will be held February 22, 2011. The last day to register to vote in this election is TODAY, was January 25, 2011, but Grace Period voter registration is available through February 15. A full election guide is forthcoming.

In the meantime, get to know your candidates for mayor at one or more of these events:

Chicago Mayoral Forum
Tuesday, January 25

Presenter: Chicago Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
Cosponsor: Chicago Chapter of National Coalition of 100 Black Women
Where: Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, 4543 S. Princeton Ave.
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
RSVP: Not required
Expected Candidates: Miguel del Valle, Carol Moseley Braun, William Dock Walls, Patricia Van Pelt Watkins

Chicago Forward: Mayoral Debate
Thursday, January 27

Presenters: Chicago Tribune and City Club of Chicago
Where: WGN-TV, CLTV, WGN Radio and Tribune websites
Time: 7:00pm
RSVP: Not required
Expected Candidates: Gery Chico, del Valle, Rahm Emanuel, Moseley Braun

Pan Asian Voter Empowerment (PAVE) Mayoral Candidates Forum
Tuesday, February 8

Presenter: Asian American Institute
Cosponsors: Alliance of Filipinos for Immigrant Rights and Empowerment
Cambodian Association of Illinois
Chinese American Service League
Chinese Mutual Aid Association
Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community
Korean American Community Services
Korean American Resource & Cultural Center
Indo-American Center
Muslim Women Resource Center
Vietnamese Association of Illinois
Where: St. Augustine Hall, St. Augustine College, 1345 W. Argyle
Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
RSVP: via Facebook
Expected Candidates: TBA

Chicago Mayoral Candidates Forum on LGBT Issues ADDED 2/8
Wednesday, February 9

Presenters: Affinity Community Services
Amigas Latinas
Association of Latino Men for Action ( ALMA )
AIDS Foundation of Chicago
Bisexual Queer Alliance
Boricua Pride
Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus
Chicago Transgender Coalition
Center on Halsted
Equality Illinois
I2I: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago
Illinois Safe Schools Alliance
Illinois Gender Advocates
Join the Impact Chicago
Howard Brown Health Center
Human Rights Campaign Chicago
Lambda Legal
LGBT Change
LGBT Immigration Project of Heartland Alliance
Lesbian & Gay Bar Association of Chicago
Orgullo En Accion
POW POW Inc.
Public Pride Alliance
The Civil Rights Agenda
The Literary Exchange
TransActions
Video Action League
Windy City Black LGBT Pride
Where: Adler School of Professional Psychology, 17 N. Dearborn; online at www.windycitytimes.com or www.Radioarte.org
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
RSVP: via AIDS Foundation of Chicago
Expected Candidates: Chico, del Valle, Emanuel, Moseley-Braun, Walls, and Watkins

Mayoral Forum 2011: The Race to City Hall ADDED 2/10
Thursday, February 10

Presenters: FOX Chicago, Chicago Urban League, Harriet’s Daughters
Where: Kennedy-King College; FOX Chicago (TV), WVON 1690AM, WVAZ (V103) 102.7FM
Time: 9:30pm
RSVP: N/A
Expected Candidates: Chico, del Valle, Emanuel, Moseley-Braun, Walls, Watkins

Mayoral Candidate Meet & Greet for the Arts ADDED 2/6
Friday, February 11

Presenter: Chicago Urban Arts Society
Cosponsors: Chicago Public Art Group
Urban Gateways
Co-Prosperity Sphere
Threewalls
Arts Alliance of Illinois
Chicago Artist Coalition
Sixty Inches from Center
The Institute for Arts Entrepreneurship
Chicago Reader
NewCity
Gapers Block
WBEZ.org
Gozamos
Where: Chicago Urban Arts Society, 2229 S. Halsted
Time: 6:00pm – 11:00pm
RSVP: via Facebook
Expected Candidates: TBA

Chicago Tonight Mayoral Candidate Forum ADDED 2/13
Monday, February 14

Presenter: WTTW Channel 11
Where: WTTW Channel 11; wttw.com
Time: 7:00pm
RSVP: N/A
Expected Candidates: Chico, del Valle, Emanuel, Moseley Braun

Mayoral Candidates Forum: Violence Against Women, Girls & LGBTQ People ADDED 1/27
Tuesday, February 15

Presenters: Rape Victim Advocates
Center on Halsted
Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation
Chicago Foundation for Women
Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women’s Network
Where: Chicago-Kent College of Law, 565 W. Adams
Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
RSVP: via Facebook
Expected Candidates: del Valle, Walls, Watkins, more TBA

The Arts in Chicago: Our City’s Future CANCELED – SEE FEB. 11 FORUM ABOVE
Tuesday, February 15

Presenter: Chicago Urban Arts Society
Where: Chicago Urban Arts Society, 2229 S. Halsted
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
RSVP: via event website
Expected Candidates: TBA

West Side Mayoral Town Hall ADDED 2/13
Wednesday, February 16

Presenter: Blocks Together
Where: Westinghouse Career Academy High School, 3223 W. Franklin Blvd.
Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
RSVP: via Facebook
Expected Candidates: del Valle, Moseley Braun, Walls, Watkins (as of 2/15)

ABC 7 Chicago Mayoral Debate ADDED 1/29
Thursday, February 17

Presenter: ABC 7 Chicago
Cosponsors: Chicago Foundation for Women
Chicago Loop Alliance
Chicago Urban League
Metropolitan Planning Council
League of Chicago Theatres
League of Women Voters
Mikva Challenge
National Council of La Raza
Univision Chicago
Where: Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph; ABC7, Univision Chicago, abc7chicago.com
Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
RSVP: N/A
Expected Candidates: TBA

Guest blogger Sung Yeon Choi-Morrow is the Community Organizer at Asian American Institute. Born in Korea and raised in India, she now enjoys working with various Asian American communities in Chicago.

You want a voice? Vote!

The other day while I was sipping a hot masala tea at a sweet shop on Devon I overheard a conversation about voting. What surprised me was not the content of the conversation but the fact that I still remembered enough Hindi from my childhood in India to understand what they were saying! Unfortunately the content of the conversation was far too familiar.

“Are you voting next week?”

“Oh, it’s election again? No, what’s the point?”

“Yeah, I know, it doesn’t make much of a difference, whether you vote or not.”

“That’s what I mean. Brother, your time is better spent somewhere else.”

Haven’t we all heard this conversation, or even participated in this conversation at some point?

The truth is, it may seem that it doesn’t matter, but it does.  I’d like to introduce to you the “Cockroach Effect” (sorry for the nasty visual here).  When you discover one little cockroach in the cabinet underneath your sink, you probably freak out for a second but then find Raid or a paper towel or something and just kill it. Unless you have an exceptional fear of roaches, you’ll probably forget about the incident and not think much about it.

But let’s say you opened up your cabinet under your kitchen sink and you saw hundreds if not thousands of roaches crawling around! The first thing I’d think is, “Yikes, I should’ve written down that phone number from the Orkin commercial!” And then I’d frantically Google “Orkin” and get a terminator out to my house.

In some ways politics works the same way. Yes, if one Indian American living on Devon decided to vote, no one may notice. Not the elected officials, not the candidates running, not the media, NO ONE. But if ALL the Asian Americans living in the 50^th Ward voted and had a historic turnout for November 2^nd, people would notice.

We need to work to create the Cockroach Effect! We need everyone to vote and get others out to vote.

If Asian Americans want to have a voice, get recognition, and bring resources to our community, we must vote, and get our people out to vote!

Please consider volunteering with the Asian American Institute for this weekend and Election Day in the 50^th Ward to make history by turning out the highest number of Asian American voters for a midterm election!

Please email Brandon@aaichicago.org for more information or call him at 773.271.0899 x200.

Commit to vote!

Here’s the latest edition of my election guide that I put together for friends and family who may have questions about registering to vote, where to vote, how to pick judges, etc. There are no biased opinions here—just facts about where you can find more information about your ballot and how to vote in this election. Please feel free to share this with others—especially the ones you have a sneaking suspicion may be too shy to ask these questions! And please share with us any great resources you’ve found.

Thanks! Now get out and VOTE!

• What are we voting for in IL?
• Do I have to declare a political party preference?
• What will my ballot look like? Where do I go to vote?
• What time are the polls open?
• Can I still register to vote?
• What is early voting and where/when can I do it?
• In-person absentee voting
• Absentee voting by mail
• How do I know which judges to vote for?
• What kind of voting equipment will I use?
• What if I show up and they tell me I can’t vote?
• Know Your Rights
• Have more questions?

What are we voting for in IL?

In the November 2, 2010 General Election, Cook County, IL voters will cast ballots that include:

• U.S. Senator
• U.S. Representatives
• Governor
• Lieutenant Governor
• Attorney General
• Secretary of State
• State Comptroller
• State Treasurer
• State Senators (some)
• State Representatives
• Cook County Board President
• Cook County Commissioners
• Cook County Assessor
• Cook County Clerk
• Cook County Treasurer
• Cook County Sheriff
• Cook County Board of Review Commissioner (1st district)
• Appellate and Circuit Court Judges
• Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioners (some)
• Regional Superintendent of Schools
• Various statewide, countywide and local referenda questions

If you live in another IL county, use the links provided below to find out which offices will appear on your ballot.

Do I have to declare a political party preference?

No. Your ballot will include all parties’ candidates for each office.

What will my ballot look like? Where do I go to vote?

Remember that you can print out your ballot, mark it up with your voting preferences, and take it into the voting booth with you. You do not have to vote on memory alone!

In suburban Cook County, you can see your exact ballot and polling place at the Cook County Clerk’s website.

In Chicago, go to ChicagoElections.com.

In other parts of IL, go to the IL State Board of Elections.

If you want to see what referenda might appear on your ballot, the IL State Board of Elections provides a handy Referenda Search. (It’s a bit clunky, so you’re better off just looking at your exact ballot using the links above.)

What time are the polls open?

Polls are open from 6am to 7pm every Election Day.

Can I still register to vote?

Yes. If you missed the standard October 5 voter registration deadline, IL offers a “Grace Period.” Through Tuesday, October 26, you may register to vote, update your address or file your name change.

Things to remember about Grace Period Registration & Voting:

• During the grace period, you must register in person—and then immediately vote during that same visit.
• Bring two forms of ID. Neither needs to be a photo ID, but one must include your current address. Acceptable forms of ID include: Illinois driver’s license, Illinois state ID, Employee or student ID, credit card, social security card, birth certificate, utility bill in your name, mail postmarked to you, valid U.S. passport, lease or rental contract
• Grace Period registrants vote on touch-screen machines immediately after registering.
• Grace period registrants are not eligible to vote at the polls on Election Day.

Cook County Locations for Grace Period Registration & Voting

• Chicago Election Board
  69 W. Washington St., 6th Floor
  Hours: Mon-Sat, 9 am-5 pm / Sun 9 am-3 pm
• Chicago State University
  9501 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
  Cordell Reed Student Union Bldg., 2nd Floor Cyber Café
  Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 am-5 pm
• University of Illinois at Chicago
  750 S. Halsted St.
  Student Center East, Lower Level
  Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 am-5 pm
• Northeastern Illinois University
  5500 N. St. Louis Ave.
  Building B – Room 153
  Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 am-5 pm
• North suburbs - Skokie
  5600 W. Old Orchard Road, Room 149
  Skokie, IL 60077
  Call: (847) 470-7233
  Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Northwest suburbs - Rolling Meadows
  2121 Euclid Ave., Room 238
  Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
  Call: (847) 818-2850
  Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• West suburbs - Maywood
  1311 Maybrook Square, Room 109
  Maywood, IL 60153
  Call: (708) 865-6010
  Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• South suburbs - Markham
  16501 S. Kedzie
  Markham, IL 60426
  Call: (708) 232-4150
  Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Southwest suburbs - Bridgeview
  10220 S. 76th Ave.
  Bridgeview, IL 60455
  Call: (708) 974-6150
  Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For grace period info in other parts of IL, visit the State Board of Elections website.

What is early voting and where/when can I do it?

Illinois voters have the option of voting before November 2. Early voting is open October 12-28, 2010. You do not need to provide an excuse or reason why you cannot make it to the polls on Election Day. You need only to fill out an application at the Early Voting site.

Things to remember about Early Voting:

• Bring a photo ID: a current driver’s license, state-issued ID card, or another government-issued ID with a photograph.
• Early Voting is conducted on touch-screen machines.
• After casting ballots in Early Voting, voters may not return to amend, change or undo a ballot for any reason. Ballots cast in Early Voting are final.

Chicago Early Voting Locations

Suburban Cook County Early Voting Locations

Early Voting Locations for Rest of Illinois

Most sites are open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm.

In-person absentee voting

Any voter needing or wishing to vote by absentee in the final four days prior to the election may vote an in-person absentee ballot.

For the Nov. 2, 2010 General Election, in-person absentee voting will be conducted Oct. 29-Nov. 1 at each of the Cook County Clerk’s six office locations. The hours are as follows for all locations:

• Friday, October 29–9am to 5pm
• Saturday, October 30–9am to noon
• Sunday, October 31–9am to noon
• Monday, November 1–9am to 5pm

Absentee voting by mail

Absentee voting by mail is a convenient way to cast your ballot if you are unable to get to your polling place on Election Day or to cast your ballot during Early Voting at a designated Early Voting site.

Any registered voter may apply for an absentee ballot. It is no longer necessary to provide a reason.

To obtain an absentee application, registered Cook County voters can:

• Download and print the application, or
• Call the County Clerk’s office at (312) 603-0946 or 312-269-7967 to request that they mail you an application, or
• Pick one up at any of the Clerk’s six office locations.

The last day to apply for a mail-in absentee ballot is five days before the election.

For more information:

Chicago

Suburban Cook County

Rest of Illinois

How do I know which judges to vote for?

Voting for judges is important. It’s a big part of your ballot, but it doesn’t take a lot of extra work to figure out which ones to support.

In Cook County, go to VoteForJudges.org. Read through the home page and then go to the Evaluations page to get your guide. (The charts are toward the bottom of the page.)

I use this guide to help me pick judges every time I vote. I print out the PDF version, highlight the judges I will vote for, and take that with me into the voting booth.

In the rest of IL, check the Illinois State Bar Association’s evaluations. The ISBA is only one of the bar associations included in the VoteForJudges Cook County guide, but it’s the only current statewide guide I’ve been able to find. Please share others you know of!

What kind of voting equipment will I use?

You may choose to use a paper ballot or an electronic touch-screen machine. Instructions should be posted at your polling place; you can also ask an election judge for assistance.

What if I show up and they tell me I can’t vote?

If you believe you are registered to vote and are at the correct polling place, ask for a “provisional ballot.” The election judges must provide you with at least a provisional ballot. They cannot turn you away. If they deny you the right to vote, call your County Clerk’s office. (Take the phone number with you to your polling place just in case.)

Don’t be shy about this. You know from previous elections that people tamper with elections. You have every right to cast your ballot without interference or intimidation. And you have every right to tell your election authority to come out to your polling place if anyone gives you trouble.

There are more rules and regulations about provisional voting that you should read. Please visit the following for more info:

Chicago – Here and here (Read the provisional ballot sections on both pages)

Suburban Cook County (info also applies to Chicago residents)

Rest of Illinois [PDF]

Know Your Rights

This is your Voter Bill of Rights. Read it – it’s important.

Voter Bill of Rights

1. Cast your ballot in a non-disruptive atmosphere free of interference.
2. Vote if you’re in line by 7pm.
3. Vote by provisional ballot if your registration is not found.
4. Vote a full ballot at your old polling place if you have moved within 30 days of the election.
5. Request voting assistance, if needed.
6. Bring newspaper endorsements or sample ballots into the voting booth.
7. Protect the secrecy of your ballot.
8. Receive a new ballot if you make a mistake or change your mind.
9. Review your ballot to ensure it’s complete and correct.
10. Have your ballot counted fairly and impartially.

Have more questions?

Lastly, if you have any questions at all about this year’s elections, ASK ME in the comments section. Even if you don’t live in IL, I can help you find the answers to your questions. I would be very happy to help you.

On August 25, the Indian government rejected a bid by a London-based company, Vedanta, to develop a bauxite mine in tribal regions of Orissa.  In its rejection, the government acknowledged the environmental catastrophes and cultural destruction that would occur in areas that have been inhabited by Adivasis for generations.

In addition to bauxite (an aluminum-containing rock), this area produces a significant amount of coal, iron, and chromite.  In February 2010, Amnesty International published a detailed report of a yearlong, on-site investigation.  Findings included minimal local involvement in development plans, distribution of misinformation about the project, human rights and legal violations associated with use of the land in this way, and inevitable air and water contamination. The report also noted that local people have yet to benefit from the presence of national and international extractive companies; Orissa is one of the poorest states in the country, with 46% of the population living under the national poverty level (less than US$330 a year).  In fact, the study reported anecdotally that local people have suffered economically as a result of these industries, experiencing decreased employment opportunities, loss of grazing land and farmland, and increased prices due to influx of laborers.