Illinois driver services facilities and offices of the secretary of state will be closed Friday in observance of Veterans Day. 

Comm. Sean Morrison (17) tweeted “Not all hero’s wear capes, some work alone and wear a badge! BIG Respect! God bless our Law enforcement hero’s.👏👏👍🇺🇸” in response to a video of a female Chicago police officer grappling with a person.

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Sanctuary and welcoming city policies should be for people who want to positively contribute to society. Violent criminals should not be protected which is EXACTLY why I voted against removing exemptions that protect them in Chicago.”

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) shared a WGN article titled “City officials sound off following WGN Investigates report on deficiencies within CPD’s mental health program”

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Let's get a Dept of Environment to coordinate carbon footprint reduction across all city developments!” in quoting a tweet which mentioned the alderman’s questions about city housing department and planning and development department coordination on decarbonization.

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Gale School has been growing kids for 100 years! We had such a wonderful time tonight celebrating Gale’s centennial! Thank you to the Principal Leal, the LSC, Centennial Committee and the teachers and staff that made this all possible. Here’s to the next hundred years!”

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “I have been pressuring the City for a greater police presence in the 50th Ward. Understanding the need for additional law enforcement officers, the @CCSOPIO has dispatched two teams to the 24th District. Expect to see extra officers in the neighborhood tonight.”

Aldermanic offices, city government offices and Chicago Public Libraries are closed Friday in observance of Veterans Day. 

Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I have no words to express the gratitude and emotion I feel right. We’re going to Congress y’all! We #shatteredglassceiling last night!”  

Rep. Maurie West (D-Rockford) tweeted, “Best part about last night’s election was that babygirl hung with me while we watched the results. I made a commitment to the 67th district last night; but my promise to Brein is I am daddy first, Rep West second ALWAYS. I love you Brein. I love you 67th District. Thank you”  

Rep. Janet Yang Rohr (D-Naperville) tweeted, “Thank you to the 41st district community of Naperville, Warrenville, and Bolingbrook for trusting me to represent you and your families for another two years. It has been and continues to be the honor of a lifetime to represent us in Springfield.”  

Rep. Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) tweeted, “Thank You! I am honored to be elected as your next State Senator in the 24th District! I look forward to representing all of us in Springfield for the next 4 years!”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “Congratulations to my friends and colleagues in the Illinois House. Winners do the work! Together, we worked in Springfield for Illinois families. Then we came home and worked even harder to earn the support of our communities. I am incredibly proud of you. Onward and upward!”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Now that it’s over, for the provocateurs that put those nasty signs all over the place, come pick them up! And for the signs I liked from the people I love, come pick those up too! Don’t claim to be an Environmental Champion and we’re still seeing your signs this time next yr.” 

Illinois has seen less than 70,000 unemployment claims in the last week for the 26th straight week, according to the Department of Employment Security. There were 57,000 claims reported last week, according to the department. The department called the six-month streak of low unemployment claims “unprecedented.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Chicago needs a mayoral candidate and a mayor that can build a citywide coalition of Black, white, and Latino residents to deliver for every block and every neighbor. @Brandon4Chicago is that bridge builder. Let's go!”  

Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22) tweeted “Climate change is a real threat to the quality of life to people across the world but especially to working class communities. That is why I take the #NoFossilFuelMoney pledge.”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “On Wednesday, November 16th, my office & St Cajetan School will host a Thanksgiving Food Drive in support of Pat’s Pantry (3509 W 111th St), 10:00am-12:00pm. @BevRevNews @stcajetanschool @ChicagoAgHS @thomasj_hurley @repfranhurley35 @SenCunningham”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) tweeted “Whoa! Be very careful criticizing the Mayor. She may put you on her ‘Sexist, Racist, Homophobe List’ for presenting hard facts & raising concerns about code enforcement.”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Good morning Chicago - this election is over. Go enjoy what makes you happy.” 

The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation on Wednesday commended the Chicago Community Trust for announcing earlier this month that former interim President and Chief Executive Officer Andrea Sáenz would be the permanent CEO following a nationwide search. “Congratulations to Ms. Sáenz, and we look forward to supporting you in your work and leadership at The Chicago Community Trust,” Executive Director Oswaldo Alvarez was quoted as saying in a news release.  

Rep. Marty McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted, “It’s Election Day! A beautiful day for voting! It has been an honor and privilege serving the people of our community. Thank you for the opportunity to do it again! Good luck to all candidates, their families and supporters today!”  

Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) tweeted, “Today’s Election Day!! Make sure you go vote! Polls close at 7pm!”  

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted, “It's a beautiful day to be a voter! And for me, a special one — a lot of friends on the ballot this year.”  

Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Woke up this morning with so much energy and excitement! I was so proud to be able to cast my vote with my mom this morning in my precinct and have my husband alongside me, supporting me each step of the way.”  

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted pictures of the lunar eclipse: “Happy Election Day! Here is this morning's Blood Moon from your Illinois State Capitol!” 

A group of consolidated lawsuits filed by Illinois state’s attorneys challenging the SAFE-T Act will be heard in Kankakee County court on Dec. 7, the State Journal-Register reported. Kankakee County State’s Attorney Jim Rowe will be the lead plaintiff in a case that names Gov. JB Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul as defendants. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “Almost halfway through Election Day and great to see so many people out voting! Remember you can be IN LINE at 7:00 pm and still vote. There are really meaningful referenda on workers rights, the forest preserves, and mental healthcare access that need your support!”  

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “The system is rigged against working class people to benefit the rich &  corporations, no one is going to change this fact but US, the people. Vote YES for Workers’ Rights Amendment & sign our petition along @Brandon4Chicago Si se puede! #SocialismOrBarbarism #PeopleOverProfit”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Every single person I’ve talked to out here petitioning for my opponent works at the Cook County Clerks office. The machine is back.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “MAGA Republican @MayraFlores2022 LOST tonight. Progressive Democrat @DeliaCRamirez WON tonight. That's it. That's the tweet.”  

Ald. Timmy Knudsen (43) tweeted “It’s Election Day! I’ve been out since 5:30am delivering donuts and checking on polling places with the amazing #43rdWard Dem Committeeman  

@LucyMoog. Check http://illinoisvotes2022.com to find your polling place or ballot dropbox.” 

The Chicago Board of Elections reported that as of 7 p.m. Tuesday, 636,931 ballots had been cast in Chicago, leaving citywide turnout for the General Election at 41.3 percent. The number of ballots cast includes early votes and mailed in ballots but is expected to grow as additional mailed in ballots are received and counted. 

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.”