Carl Sandburg’s iconic 1914 poem “Chicago” recently gained fresh relevance when a judge read it aloud in a court ruling addressing DHS use of force.
That inspired our arts desk to ask some well-known Chicagoans to recite it, with help from Bill Kurtis, Sandra Cisneros, Colston Loveland and others.
reminder to vote for two different genders for IL State Central Committee races. In the 9th CD there are 6 of us. The ballot says vote for no more than two. But does not say vote for different genders and does not have pronouns next to names. Vote for me, Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth & Eric Smith!
Elizabeth Warren and Juliana Stratton flyer
📢 Illinois neighbors! Rally with Senator Warren for Juliana Stratton! Election Day is days away. Hear directly from Sen. Warren and Juliana at this historic event!
Fri., Mar. 13th
Northside Chicago, IL
Address available upon RSVP
RSVP required for entry
act.julianastratton.com/signup/march...
Voting instructions for state central Committeeperson. Vote for Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth and Eric Smith
📢 Important: Vote for Two Candidates of Different Genders 📢
The Democratic Party of IL is run by the Democratic State Central Committee, (34 members, two from each of the state's 17 congressional districts). The Committee recruits candidates to run for office and helps them get elected. ➡️
Don’t let the door hit you on the way out, Kristi Noem.
🚨 2026 Primary Ballot Update
There’s a change to how the State Central Committeeperson race appears on your ballot this year.
🗳️ You’ll see one race listed per congressional district
✔️ Vote for up to two candidates
👥 Two people will be elected
⚖️ The winners must be of different genders
If you have any questions, our Voter Protection Hotline team is here to help. Call us at (855) 458-6837 for help getting registered and finding your polling place.
More voter resources are available at ildems.com/vote
Wow, this really is a confusing ballot set up.
Illinois state law outlining state central committee and need to elect two Democrats in each district of different genders
In the 70s the Dems wanted to be more inclusive. They added a woman, and voters needed to vote for candidates of “opposite” genders. They have since changed the state law to say “different” genders
www.ilga.gov/legislation/...
Info on how to vote For State Central Committee. Vote for Leni and Eric Smith.
Remember for State Central Committee, vote for two people of different genders. This is really confusing and something we need to change in Illinois law. Do not vote for two people of the same gender or you’ll basically cancel your vote. Vote for me, Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, and Eric Smith for IL-09!
Info on how to vote For State Central Committee. Vote for Leni and Eric Smith.
Remember for State Central Committee, vote for two people of different genders. This is really confusing and something we need to change in Illinois law. Do not vote for two people of the same gender or you’ll basically cancel your vote. Vote for me, Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, and Eric Smith for IL-09!
Leni at early voting dropping her mail in ballot
More and more, Illinois voters are voting by mail which is incredible. As an alternative to using USPS, I recommend you drop your mail in ballot at a secure drop box at any early voting site. So easy!
Alt: me voting at secure drop box at Broadway Armory first day of early voting
Juliana Stratton and Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth supporters at Broadway Armory smile to camera on a sunny afternoon
Make a plan to vote and vote for Juliana Stratton for US Senate! Early voting is happening now. Make a plan to vote 🗳️
a poster styled after a sufan album that says cmon feel the strattmentum with a picture of juliana stratton in the foreground and chicago in the background
New PPP poll has Juliana Stratton leading in the Illinois Senate race
Stratton 33%
Krishnamoorthi 30%
Kelly 11%
March 2-3 557 LV +/- 4.2%
Instructions on voting in State Central Committee in IL-09 vote for Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth and Eric Smith
💥 Important: Vote for Two Candidates of Different Genders💥
Voters in IL-09, punch 53 and 56 for me and Eric Smith for State Central Committee!
I am hopeful that the war in Iran will bring needed democratic change to … the United States of America.
Appreciate the shoutout today from the Chicago Tribune, and I'm proud to have their endorsement for State Senate.
I’m ready on day one to reform zoning, fix construction codes, and make it more affordable to live in the neighborhoods we all love. www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/26/k...
I’m happy to share that our campaign has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action! Reproductive freedom is a personal topic for me. As State Representative, I will work to ensure the full spectrum of reproductive healthcare is affordable and accessible for all.
Whether it’s canvassing with @abundanthousingil.bsky.social, @sierraclubchicago.bsky.social, and @voteleni.bsky.social or joining us at the polls, this is a huge week to volunteer!
Don’t miss your chance - join us!
www.mobilize.us/drakefor10/
#chicago #illinois #urbanism #vote #election
No amount of MAGA money can erase @rajaforil.bsky.social’s biggest weakness: his own record. He voted to fund ICE, he voted to thank ICE, and he's spent a decade cozying up to the same ICE contractors and MAGA forces he claims to stand up against.
Illinoisans deserve better.
I was proud to stand with so many Illinois leaders and community members today to make it clear: MAGA money won't decide this race.
SCOOP: IL-9 congressional candidate and current state senator Mike Simmons had police called on him in Buena Park while canvassing for votes. No arrest was made. Here’s the video of the interaction @senmikesimmons.bsky.social recorded and shared with me.
Simmons' campaign with a comment about this incident, which occurred on Friday in Buena Park:
I am disgusted this happened to Senator Simmons. Even in a district as diverse as ours, we are reminded all too frequently that Black and brown communities bear the burden of overpolicing. We stand in solidarity with Mike.
Reading people. Body language. Knowing how to connect with people totally unlike you and with different backgrounds and beliefs. Defusing tense situations. Gaining trust. High endurance, pain tolerance, and work ethic. Reaction time. Prioritizing order of execution. Anticipating people’s needs. Tons
With just over 3 weeks until the March 17th election, I’m stunned at how far this campaign has come. Today, we had our largest group of canvassers yet brave frigid temperatures to come out and spread the word of the campaign. None of this work would be possible without our team and supporters.
🙏🙏🙏
My *campaign 😎
I’ve endorsed Eric Smith as the candidate of another gender, so when you vote, vote for Leni and Eric! 🗳️
More about me and my capacity here:
voteleni.com
Unfortunately, the ballot does not make this clear and only says "Vote for not more that Two" and it also does not specify the gender of the candidates on the ballot. So it's important that we make a plan to vote for two candidates of different genders!
➡️
