The upcoming runoff election will be very consequential for Chicago’s business community, as there are clear pro-business candidates on the ballot. The Chicagoland Chamber endorsed Mayor Emanuel and supported Alderman Mary O’Connor (41), Alderman Michele Smith (43), and aldermanic candidate Brian Hopkins (2) in last Tuesday’s election, and we will continue to strongly support them as they navigate their runoff elections.

Voter turnout in the mayoral election dropped from 42.3 percent in 2011 to 32.7 percent last Tuesday, with turnout as low as 22.3 percent in some wards. Whether you participated in the initial election or not, I urge you to vote in the runoff elections, as the results will significantly impact the business community and the future of our city.

• You can still register to vote or update your information until March 10th to participate in the runoff election on April 7th.  Click here to do so.
• Click here to verify your voter registration, locate your polling place, or gain access to other voter information.
• For those who miss the March 10th deadline to register by mail or online, Grace Period (in-person) voter registration will take place from March 11 to April 4, 2015. To learn more, click here.

In addition to the runoff elections, the Chamber is continuing to closely monitor the state budget process and the activity of the Chicago City Council, Cook County Board of Commissioners, and the Illinois General Assembly. Stay tuned for updates in our Public Policy Report newsletters every Friday.