The second consecutive mayoral runoff election will be taking place in Chicago in 13 days, on Tuesday, April 4. Democrats Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas, are the two remaining candidates from the February general election.
There is a blunt difference between the two candidates, Vallas ran on a law and order, moderate agenda, while Johnson was a progressive, community-first platform.
To see who has endorsed the candidates, visit NBC 5 Chicago’s 2023 Endorsement Guide.
Former CEO of the Chicago Public Schools (1995-2001), Vallas has promised voters that his primary goal as mayor would be to better public safety by increasing the number of Chicago Police Department (CPD) officers.
In an effort to address crime rates and power accountability within the system, Vallas would create a “citizen-led Charter Commission”, according to his website. This is an important part of bettering the city government because Chicago is the only major city in the United States that does not have a municipal charter.
Another major issue Vallas would like to tackle as mayor is violence amongst Chicago’s youth. Part of his plan would be to reform the public education system chronologically, meaning intervention starts early and works its way through high school instead of beginning intervention with high school aged students.
To learn more about Vallas’s plan if elected mayor, visit his website under the “Paul’s Plan” tab.
Johnson, a member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners and former social studies teacher in the CPS system, wants to increase funding for the public school system.
Like Vallas, Johnson is also committed to making Chicago a safer city, though he is less concerned with increased CPD presence, and would rather implement efficiency audits and non-police responses to mental health emergencies.
Johnson’s campaign has promised to work with the CPD and other first responders “to invest in community-based interventions that de-escalate conflict, reduce violence”, instead of staying with the public safety strategies that have harmed communities for decades.
Though the biggest issue Johnson would like to address as mayor is the city budget and revenue, according to his official website.
Making the wealthiest people and companies in the city pay their fair share in taxes so the working class can afford to live in one of the wealthiest cities in the U.S. is a top priority.
Johnson says too many mayors past, including the current one, have not made enough efforts to help alleviate the budget issues in the city.
For more information on Johnson’s plans on city issues, click here to visit his website.
Despite slamming Mayor Lightfoot, both candidates have committed to continuing the INVEST South/West Initiative she launched. The program aims to directly invest in underserved and disadvantaged South and West side communities.
The candidates have also agreed that the City of Chicago should not use public funds in an effort to persuade the Chicago Bears, who are planning a move to Arlington International Racecourse, to remain at Soldier Field.
In addition to a mayoral runoff, 14 of the city’s wards will require a second election to produce a clear winner. To view the whole list of City Council seats that are up for grabs on April 4, please visit NBC 5 Chicago.
Early voting has begun and will run through April 4 with early voting sites in all 50 neighborhoods, as well as two downtown locations. The early voting locations are open 9 am through 6 pm on weekdays, 9 am – 5 pm on Saturdays, and 10 am – 4 pm on Sundays.
For more information regarding early voting neighborhood sites, click here to visit the Chicago Board of Elections Commissioners website.
To check if you are registered to vote, click here.
Illinois is a same day registration state, meaning you can register to vote online and vote the same day. You do have to register at your local polling site and bring two forms of identification, one must show your current address.
For more 2023 Chicago election information, visit Block Club Chicago’s article that breaks down all the important information you need to know regarding the runoff and voter registration, polling sites, and how to vote.