Chicago Mayoral Ballot Faces Scrutiny as Signature Hearings Begin
Sitting Mayor Brandon Johnson and four other candidates face challenges to their petition validity ahead of the February election.
By Anthony Lawson ·
The race for the Chicago mayoral office entered a contentious phase on Monday as an electoral board began reviewing challenges to candidate petitions. The process could alter the lineup for voters in February.
To secure a place on the ballot, candidates must submit at least 12,500 valid signatures. Campaigns typically file thousands of extra names to account for potential rejections. Signatures may be discarded if the signer is not registered to vote or if one individual signs for another.
Mayor Brandon Johnson is among the officials whose petitions are under review. It is unusual for an incumbent mayor to face such a challenge. The list of contested candidates also includes Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Congressman Mike Quigley, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, and Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza.
The electoral board convened at 9 a.m. on Monday at the Cook County Office building on West Washington. The initial session focused on establishing procedural rules and appointing hearing officers.
At 10 a.m., those officers began hearing the specific cases. Multiple hearings are proceeding simultaneously within the same facility.
