Election Day Reminders For Voters & Businesses

Today, the City of Chicago has 52 polling stations open from 6AM-7PM: each of Chicago's 50 wards, the Loop Super Site (191 North Clark Street), and the United Center (1901 West Madison Street). Any Chicago voter can use any location, and you can register to vote — even today — by bringing two forms of identification with you. Just be sure at least one shows your current address. You can also file a name change or update an address with these same forms of identification. Visit chicagoelections.gov to plan your vote.

Every voter should wear a face covering that shields the mouth and nose, even if you're only dropping off a signed-and-sealed mail-in ballot to an official dropbox, which all polling stations have. Voters in line must practice social distancing, with 6 feet (2 meters) of space between persons in line. If you mailed or are mailing your ballot, keep in mind that it must be postmarked by today and must be received by November 17 to be counted (within 14 days of Election Day). You can even track the journey of your mail-in ballot here.

With changes made this year to voting procedures around the country, it is very likely that results will not be completely known until some time after election night. Delays in projecting and certifying winners are not necessarily indications of problems. And we encourage everyone to only trust sources of credible, non-partisan news, like the Associated Press, which has collected and verified results in every single U.S. election, from every township to the national stage, since 1848.

But we also know 2020 is different. We are still within the global COVID-19 pandemic, the worst economic recession since the Great Depression, and a national reflection on institutionalized racism. Tensions are high. Chicago may still see civil unrest — and, to this effect, Mayor Lightfoot unveiled the City's 10-day preparedness and safety plan last week. As always, the West Loop Community Organization (WLCO) advocates public safety and recognizes the right to peaceful public assembly as enshrined in the Illinois Constitution's Bill of Rights, Article I, Section 5. Residents can sign up for both emergency and non-emergency alerts through NotifyChicago; businesses should use the CHIBIZ Emergency Alerts program. West Loop businesses can also make non-emergency calls to the 12th District's hotline at 312-965-0237 with specific questions related to Election Day.

Otherwise, we really hope you exercise your right to vote this election. We're always available by phone at 312.666.1991 or email at info@westloop.org to help you in whatever ways we can. And remember: it doesn't count unless you wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.