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"” 

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted, “as terrifying and f'd up as the campaign mailers posing as "newspapers" have been, the sports part of it is just bizarre. Imagine being this teen and having some content mill churn out a weekly story about you moving up from 7,262nd to 7,251st in the US standings”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “Sunday evening Cindy and I were once again welcomed into the celebration of Diwali with our friends in Chicago. It is my honor to celebrate with you, and share the message of hope, restoration and prosperity that we have for Illinois.”  

Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) tweeted, “I am excited to announce $8.6 million in funding for a new South-Central Illinois Training & Innovation Center. We are laying the groundwork to help people across Central Illinois receive the training they need to be successful.”  

Rep. Nick Smith (D-Chicago) tweeted, “This weekend's visit to Pembroke Township, IL was nothing short of amazing. We had the opportunity to tour & meet some great people of the community. Thank you to Mayor Mark Hodge, Township Sup. Sam Payton, and County Board Mem. Rosemary Foster for your wonderful hospitality.” 

Gov. JB Pritzker announced the appointment of Patricia Saccone to the Illinois Racing Board, Jeffrey Grubbs to the Prisoner Review Board and Sreenivas Reddy, Maria Laporta, Bartlomiej Nierzwicki, Thomas Boyle and Dana Ray to the Illinois State Medical Board. All appointments are pending confirmation by the Senate.   

Leaders in the 1st Senate District are seeking applications from interested residents who want to serve out the remainder of Sen. Tony Munoz’s (D-Chicago) term, which will conclude in January. Munoz resigned from the Senate on Oct. 21. Applicants have through Nov. 10 to submit their applications before officials select the next senator at a public meeting on Nov. 12. The applicants must be Democrats because Munoz is a Democrat. Munoz was not running for reelection and his son-in-law, Javier Loera Cervantes, is running unopposed on Nov. 8. 

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “We're proud to partner with @ChiPublicHealth to offer COVID19 and flu vaccinations in the ward at Ellis Park on 11/19!”  

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “On October 21st, 1st District State Senator Antonio Munoz announced his resignation. Pursuant to state law– this vacancy must be filled within 30 calendar days. If you are interested in applying, please find the instructions below. 25th Ward Deputy Committeeperson @UgoOkere will be chairing the appointment process.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Tomorrow, join @RossanaFor33 and me for our Virtual Townhall on the City of Chicago's 2023 Budget. We will discuss the mayor's budget proposal and would like to hear your feedback. Register here: https://bit.ly/3MT7NwH”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “I will tell you what’s scary this Halloween. The fact that the City hasn’t had a Office of Veterans Affairs for 3 years. Boo and I don’t mean boo from a ghost. Let’s get them what they deserve!”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Join me TOMORROW with other Northside wards of the 9th Congressional District for a free GOTV rally & performance at @THEBATON. Doors open at 6:30pm. RSVP as space is limited. @RepSchakowsky & @RepKellyCassidy will kick off the rally with surprise guests.” 

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. 

Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) tweeted, “Celebrating Diwali at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Chicago. Diwali is a festival of light, celebrating the power of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Thank you to our hosts for allowing us to join in the celebration!”  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “It was amazing to be out with @MomsDemand this morning! I’m inspired by everything they do to elect leaders who will fight to keep our communities safe from gun violence and I’m so honored to have received their Gun Sense Candidate distinction & be their partner in this fight.”  

Rep. Natalie Manley (D-Joliet) tweeted, “Today is World Stroke Day. A stroke can affect anyone at any age at any time. Knowing the signs of a stroke can save lives - it might even be your own. Remember to BE FAST while looking for signs of a stroke!” 

The Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced on Friday that COVID-19 cases were on the rise in Illinois. “This uptick makes it critically important for everyone to use the tools that are available to protect yourself and your family,” IDPH Director Sameer Vohra said in a news release. “Vaccines remain the most powerful tool to prevent serious illness. If you have not gotten the COVID-19 booster and a flu shot for yourself and your eligible children, now is a great time. I recommend everyone in Illinois get fully protected. And if you are feeling sick, please stay home, get tested, and call your doctor for help. I encourage all Illinoisians to do all they can to stay safe and healthy as the holiday season approaches.” Currently, 38 counties are at an elevated risk for COVID-19, including five that are at high risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends masking in counties with high risk. IDPH also reported cases of other respiratory viruses such as the flu and RSV in children are also increasing.  

Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) tweeted “your periodic reminder that I’m-a-Virologist Angela Rasmussen spent the first 18 months of the pandemic arguing vehemently against using the word “airborne” to describe SARS2 transmission.”  

Ald. Sophia King (4) shared a WBEZ story and tweeted “In America, voters decide elections, and those voters have chosen Alderman to represent them in addition to a Mayor. The voters did not annoint a king. Democracy depends on transparency and accountability, and that's what I will fight for as Mayor.”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Traditions matter, now more than ever! Chicago has a rich history of community events that not only must be protected but also allowed to thrive & grow!”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “EARLY VOTING is conveniently available for 19th Ward residents at Mount Greenwood Park (3721 W 111th St). To avoid the long lines on Election Day, November 8th, Vote Early!”  

Ald. SIlvana Tabares (23) tweeted “Thank you to our men and women of CPD's 8th District for joining us and keeping our families safe this Halloween weekend. And thank you to the Midway Chamber of Commerce for organizing this year's Pumpkin Jamboree Parade. Stay safe everyone!”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Amazing things are happening in Logan Square and the 35th Ward every day – like the annual 2300 N Lawndale Halloween block party organized by the Pagan Family and their neighbors!” 

The level of spread of COVID-19 remains in the “Low Community Level” in Chicago but numbers are rising, according to a Friday news release from the city’s Department of Public Health. Still, about 15 percent of eligible Chicagoans have gotten their updated vaccine and public health officials are urging eligible Chicagoans to get the updated vaccine or the bivalent booster. Additional information about the bivalent booster can be found online at Chicago.gov/Boost. 

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “Last week I visited the University Center of Lake County. To my surprise, an 8th grade class from Neal Math and Science Academy was there & asked me to speak to the students & answer questions. One of the best parts of being a State Rep is being able to talk to our future leaders”  

Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted, “Just a friendly reminder that our local businesses are struggling with the effects of inflation and high gas prices too.”  

Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) tweeted, “Saturday is National Drug Take Back Day. Properly disposing your unused medications is an important way to ensure safety among friends, family and our water supply. Use the Collection Site Locator tool to find a collection site near you: https://dea.gov/takebackday.”