Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Beautiful day greeting and chatting with voters! So inspired by how many people are turning out early to #GetOutTheVote”  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “This morning I was able to talk to 2 @LFCollege classes. The insightful questions and genuine interest in government from students always inspires me!”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “Unlike, Pritzker, I will NOT appoint an IDPH Director who will attempt to mandate the COVID-19 vaccine on your children. These decisions belong to parents in consultation with their family physicians, who know what's best for their children and their unique circumstances.” 

Election Day is a state holiday in Illinois for the first time. The Secretary of State’s office announced their offices will be closed Tuesday along with other government offices. Public schools are also closed.   

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced his office has over 170 employees monitoring election security Tuesday to ensure polling places are accessible and safe for Illinoisans. His office also set up a hotline for voters to report issues. In northern Illinois, voters can call 866-536-3496 to report problems. In central Illinois, voters can call 866-559-6812. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted in a multi-tweet thread tweeted “Today I voted no on the 2023 Budget for the many promises it breaks to 1st Ward residents and residents of the City.”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Nearly all depts have double-digit vacancy %’s. This forces taxpayers to pay for services @chicagosmayor has no intention of providing. With so many empty promises from 2022 budget left unfulfilled, I have no faith in her ability to executive anything in FY2023.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Mayor Lightfoot is now speaking after the 32 to 18 passage of her 2023 budget proposal. This budget was her last opportunity to keep key 2019 campaign promises. She's failed to keep them, yet she's now taking a victory lap. Incredible.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) shared a two-page statement on his budget vote and tweeted “TLDR: I’m a no.”  

Ald. Timmy Knudsen (43) in a thread tweeted “Today we passed the 2023 Chicago City Budget which included massive investment in public safety, an advance pay-down of City’s pension funds, prioritization of mental health (to citizens, workers and the police), created an Office of Climate and Environmental Equity... funded 1200 units of rapid rehousing for the fight against homelessness and much more. All with NO property tax increase.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Tomorrow, voters can push through an update to the Illinois constitution. The addition of the Workers' Rights Amendment will ensure that every Illinoisan has the right to join together with other workers to negotiate better pay, improved benefits, and safe working conditions.” 

The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce will hold its 31st annual Daniel H. Burnham Award Dinner at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Hilton Chicago. The award dinner honors a “prominent business leader who works tirelessly to advance the Chicagoland business climate while making significant civic contributions that make Chicago a world-class place to live and work,” according to the chamber’s website. More information and registration is available online. 

The Department of Public Health is distributing a million COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to residents in low-income zip codes, the department announced Friday. The program aims to boost testing as COVID-19 cases rise in Illinois ahead of the winter months. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday that 31 Illinois counties were at a medium risk for COVID-19.  

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Had a wonderful time joining the community at Centro Romero’s 38th annual gala this week! I appreciate the work this organization does in our district to empower Latinx residents, immigrants, and refugees.”  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “I don’t know, @RepTimButler- it’s weekends like this that I think we can (and must) find a bipartisan solution to ending Daylight Savings Time. What about a 5-year sunset on Permanent Daylight Savings, followed by 5 years of Permanent Standard Time?  

Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) tweeted, “9 years ago today Illinois passed marriage equality into law. If you don't go vote for pro-LGBT candidates this could be lost, just like reproductive rights. Early vote now, mail in your ballots, or vote on Tuesday. Take your family and friends too! Our families are at stake!” 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “It was great to gather and listen to a few of our community member’s questions and concerns ahead of the midterm elections. Nothing is more empowering than chatting with your neighbors about improving our community. Excited to build on our amazing work together!”  

Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) tweeted “Covid (even a so-called “mild” case) damages your immune system, and a damaged immune system isn’t as effective at protecting you from other viruses, bacteria, etc. This is no longer speculation, but fact. Repeated reinfection with SARS2 is not sustainable.”  

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “Had a wonderful time at the @ChiUrbanLeague Gala! Thank you to the honorees who have been very instrumental in our fight for equity @helenegayle @nhannahjones and Dr. Walter Massey #CULGFD61 #FightForEquity”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Happy Sunday Chicago - thanks to everyone that came out to support @boyscouts Troop 465/Pack 3465 for the 61st Annual Pancake Breakfast. For the first time in nearly a decade, my pancake culinary services weren’t required (although I did help with the sausages)!”  

Ald. Timmy Knudsen (43) tweeted “Week In Review: I visited Oscar Mayer School and had a great chat with Principal Drayton, had a fantastic time enjoying the weather on a menu walk, and got my flu shot at our vaccine event at St. Clements school! See you around the neighborhood”  

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted “My 46th Ward Office reported a broken gate at a CHA scattered site property (4855 N Kenmore) last spring. I also used the 311 app in July and it's now reported as completed. Asking everyone to contact @theCHAtweets to get this fixed. Residents there deserve better security.” 

As of Sunday evening, 134,014 had cast their ballots early ahead of the Tuesday General Election. Additionally, 103,205 people returned their ballots by mail for a total of 237,219 ballots cast by Chicagoans so far. 

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “The Anti-Semitism spewed by @kanyewest, the former President, and others is not just “words” - it inspires violence.”  

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted, “With the pandemic, the subminimum wage for tipped workers changed from an economic, race & gender injustice to one of life & death. I'm proud to support the fight for @onefairwage- a full minimum wage with tips on top, ending the subminimum wage.”  

Rep. Marcus Evans (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Gave remarks today in Peoria at the @IBEW Illinois State Conference. #runwiththerep I’m proud to have the support of my Chicago area IBEW leadership Local 134 & 9. In the IL House of Reps under @RepChrisWelch I serve as Chairman of the IL House Labor & Commerce Committee”  

Rep. Tim Buter (R-Springfield) tweeted, “Proud to be a member of @AmericanIrishSL & author of Illinois Public Act 102-701 which created Republic of Ireland Day in Illinois. This commemorative date will be celebrated annually on the April 18 anniversary of Ireland becoming officially separate from Great Britain.” 

As of Thursday morning, 968,886 people have already voted in Illinois, according to the State Board of Elections. This includes almost 490,000 mail-in ballots that have already been returned, over 471,000 early voters, and over 7,000 grace period voters. A total of 866,786 people have requested a ballot by mail, according to the board, with 57% of the ballots already returned.  

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “Wicker Park and Bucktown neighbors: The WPB Chamber of Commerce is holding a neighborhood survey and they want to hear from you! Survey participants will also receive $5 off their WPB 5k registration. Take the survey: https://buff.ly/3zEr67k”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Today Ald. Burke & I met with 40+ local food truck vendors, listening to their concerns about recent aggravated armed robberies against them while servicing their routes. This is entirely unacceptable. We are working together with our local  

@ChicagoCAPS09 to protect our workers!”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “Bryant Hayes, one of 3 offenders charged in the shooting of CPD Officer Danny Golden, appeared in court today seeking bond review/pre-trial release. Judge Kenworthy ordered Hayes to remain in custody, he will next appear on 12/12/22.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) shared a Tribune article and tweeted “So grateful for the journalism work being done in Chicago. Turns out CPD’s costs are way beyond the 1.9B on the budget. Read this. Thank you @ad_quig”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Are you new to the neighborhood? Or has your home been re-mapped into the 49th Ward? We want to meet you! We invite you to meet Maria on Sunday, November 6, at Schreiber Park (1552 W. Schreiber Ave) from 2:00pm to 3:30pm. We look forward to welcoming you to the neighborhood!” 

Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Iris Martinez will hold her annual State of the Clerk of Circuit Court Address at 11 a.m. Dec. 1 at 69 W. Washington St. Those interested in attending must RSVP by Nov. 23 to Cesar Rolon at [email protected].  

Vice President Kamala Harris will visit Chicago on Sunday for a rally with Sen. Tammy Duckworth ahead of Election Day Tuesday, the Democratic Party of Illinois confirmed in a statement. Further details will be made available later in the week. The Sun-Times reports President Joe Biden also plans to visit Illinois Friday for a rally with Democratic candidates, though Democratic campaigns in Illinois have not confirmed the trip.  

Sen. Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) tweeted, “It was a privilege to receive a 2022 Top Women in Leadership Award last night along with my colleagues, @DelgadoRep and Rep. @gonggershowitz. Thank you @wbaillinois for honoring our work, leadership and public service!”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “We need these violent threats to stop. Politicians on both sides of the aisle need to lower the rhetoric and bring back civility to our politics. I don’t agree with Mr. Bailey’s policies, but I want nothing but the best for him and his family.”  

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted, "Thank you to all who came out to support @NTHSD219 in offering an Assyrian language and culture course at tonight's meeting. There are thousands of Assyrian Americans living in Illinois, most of whom call Niles, Skokie and Morton Grove home.”  

Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake) tweeted, “This week, we celebrate our veterans whose service protecting our nation translates to serving their communities as small business owners. The #VetBiz community is made up of people who continue to represent the best America has to offer. Support a veteran-owned business today!”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I was happy to join DePaul University's Student Bar Association to discuss racial justice and the law. I believe in taking a holistic approach toward the criminal justice system, attempting to restructure the way people interact with each facet of policing and incarceration.” 

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “Memories keep us alive. Who are you celebrating today? #DayOfTheDead”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “Police are investigating a shooting that took place yesterday on the 3100 block of W. Touhy. It appears to have stemmed from a traffic altercation in a nearby suburb. A woman was shot in the leg. I will update you when more information is available.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “We don’t need another cubicle of the Environment. It’s time to bring back the Department of Environment.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) quoted a tweet by Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) about the announcement that CTA President Dorval Carter, Jr. will sit before the City Council Committee on Transportation and Public Way Nov. 10 and tweeted “Look at that! All it took was *checks notes* multiple outcries at hearings, grassroots groups organizing on the ground, and an ordinance being pushed through the city council, as well as press coverage! Now imagine when we pass the ordinance! #ThereyouareDorval @ctaaction”  

Ald. George Cardenas (12) tweeted “CTA President will appear before the committee on Transporation. I make it public because I have serious doubt about CTA leadership and do hope he makes it. It’s way overdue.” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “In the face of climate change and environmental injustice, Mayor Lightfoot's failure to re-establish the Department of Environment is inexcusable.” 

Applications to become the city’s next 12th Ward alderman opened Wednesday and are due by 5 p.m. Nov. 16, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Wednesday in a news release. Lightfoot is tasked with appointing an alderman to replace Ald. George Cardenas (12) who will leave office Nov. 30 ahead of being sworn into his new seat on the Cook County Board of Review. Those interested in being appointed alderman can submit applications to [email protected] or by mail by sending applications to City Hall care of the 12th Ward Vacancy Committee. Lightfoot plans to form a search committee that will be tasked with reviewing applications, interviewing candidates and making a recommendation on finalists. More information is available online. 

The Illinois State Board of Elections is reminding voters to only seek information about polling places for a trusted source and consult the State Board of Elections if they have questions about where they can vote. The board announced Tuesday they had received complaints from Illinois voters that they had received text messages with their personal information informing them that they had not yet voted and giving them incorrect polling places. Voters should send screen shots and reports of suspicious text messages about voting to s[email protected]. 

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “Very pleased to visit Urban Morning Cozy Café and welcome them to the neighborhood! Come down to 7113 N Western Avenue for delicious coffee in a beautiful and warm environment! With @WestRidgecofc. #ShopLocal”  

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “Happy Día De Los Muertos all. May those we remember remember us as well.”  

County Board President Toni Preckwinkle tweeted “Dia de Los Muertos is a Day to remember loved ones who have passed. It is a day to celebrate people who made a lasting impact in our lives and to make room for joy with loved ones. Ofrendas are created with love and care, including calaveras, candles, papel picado, and more.”  

Comm. Sean Morrison (R-17) tweeted “Hey Scranton Joe, my gas is still high, even with our IL fuel tax holiday through the election! What gives!” along with a picture of gas prices ranging from $4.29 to $5.19 a gallon.  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “If you’re running for mayor and not talking about the unending violence & forgotten victims, why are you running?” 

Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Comm. Ken Meyer and Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities Comm. Rachel Arfa on Wednesday will hold an awards ceremony to honor 10 taxicab drivers who have provided “premier customer service and dedication to riders with disabilities,” according to a news release. The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. at Central West Community Center, 2102 W. Ogden Ave. 

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “100/102 State’s Attorneys (Democrats/Republicans) oppose Pritzker’s dangerous SAFE-T Act because it prioritizes criminals over victims/law enforcement & puts families at risk. Pretty much everyone is sounding the alarm that isn’t Pritzker’s team or a liberal “fact” checker”  

Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) tweeted, “Glad to see that Carle/Aetna are now in agreement - but what a mess. @RepMarron and I will keep pushing so the incompetent rollout by Gov Pritzker doesn't happen again!”  

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Proud once again to not receive the endorsement of the @chicagotribune! Nothing could make me happier than being described by their ed board* as "a loud progressive voice in Springfield who has rankled us a number of times"”