If you're a local political junkie (and it's a real spectator sport 'round these parts), today is an exciting day: the first chance that candidates for Chicago political office can submit their nominating petitions to get on the ballot. The citywide election will take place on Tuesday, February 24, 2015.
Aldermanic candidates must have at least 473 valid signatures on their petitions (registered voters who live in the ward in which they are running, who have not previously signed another candidate's nominating petition). Candidates for citywide offices (mayor, clerk, treasurer) must have at least 12,500 valid signatures.
Petitions may be turned in to the Board of Elections between November 17th and November 24th. We'll do our best to keep you up-to-date about who's filed aldermanic petitions in each ward. We anticipate fewer candidates than four years ago, when over 20 candidates claimed to be running for alderman in the 46th, 47th and 48th Wards.
If nothing else, the upcoming week will illuminate who the serious candidates versus folks who've been talking about running for office for years, but never quite manage to show up with any nominating petitions.
After petitions are submitted, they can be challenged or objected to by other candidates or citizens. They can also be rejected by the Board of Elections for non-compliance with its standards. So the fun all starts today, and won't end until February. Fasten your seat belts if you love watching and kibitzing about the political process!
Update: According to the Board of Elections, James Cappleman and Amy Crawford both filed in the 46th Ward, Ameya Pawar filed in the 47th, and Harry Osterman filed in the 48th. All were officially clocked in at 9am. Candidates have until 5pm on November 24th to file their petitions.
Gawd, I love election season.....and they're off.
ReplyDeleteWell as of a few minutes ago according to the interweb both James Cappleman and Amy Crawford have filed their petitions for the 46th Ward race. Nothing but silence emanating from the "Necian" Juggernaut of a campaign. Where have you gone Necie Davis a ward turns its lonely eyes to you...........coo coo cha choo?
Perhaps the Davis campaign is like an iceberg. Ya know where its size and mass is hidden beneath the waterline. Or to use another aquatic analogy perhaps it's like a giant shark where only the fin above the water can be seen initially before the predatory attack! Cue "Jaws" theme.
The Davis campaign has been relatively quiet for the last few weeks. Perhaps they're saving their energy for later. Perhaps not. Only time will tell. I just hope the NJ(Necian Juggernaut) stays in the campaign. I'd hate to lose the opportunity to mock her over the next few months. There are 99 days between today and election day.
Ninety nine..........hmmm. That reminds me of a song.