Goodbye, Rahm. Now Which of These 20 Candidates Should I Vote For?

In November, I voted in Illinois for the first time, having lived in California for much of the past decade. As I pored over the list of candidates on the sample ballot, all I could think was: "Who the hell are all these people?" I barely knew most of these offices even existed.

San Francisco residents wouldn't have this problem. The city and state send out (and host online) voter guides, giving each candidate a chance to make a statement, including positions on key issues. It's not comprehensive, but at least you can learn something about the people you're voting for.

Chicago has nothing like this. My political junkie friends counseled me to trust the newspapers' endorsements. But I didn't want to make such important decisions based on two lines of commentary in an unsigned editorial. I tried researching myself, but local political coverage is thin on many issues, and half the candidates don't maintain websites. It seems like the entire system is set up to make it hard to find non-partisan information, and you end up voting for the machine candidate with the most money, the guy the paper (or your union, or TV ads) tells you to choose.

Now that Rahm Emanuel's given up his Congressional seat, those of us living in his district have barely a month to figure out who among two dozen candidates is the best person to replace him. I am dreading going through the research process so much, I've decided to do something to help myself and every other Chicago voter.

I've created Chicago Elections, a central source for all the information you'd ever want about candidates running for elective office in Chicago. You'll find information on the politicians and the issues from their websites and campaign staff; links to government documents and real-time news stories from across the political spectrum (including HuffPost); and lists of endorsements and analysis from other pols, activist organizations, and your neighbors.

The first test of the site will focus on the Special Election in Illinois's 5th Congressional District -- the seat Rahm Emanuel just gave up to become Chief of Staff.

Chicago Elections is a wiki, not a normal website. For non-techies, that means you can read, edit, rewrite, and even add information and create new pages (just like with Wikipedia). In fact, the site will only succeed if people like you participate by contributing information. It's as easy as sending an email to a friend: Log on, post a link, or add a bit of information. Every contribution helps.

Chicago Elections is not a moneymaking venture for me, or for PBwiki, which is currently hosting it. It is not affiliated with the City of Chicago, the Chicago Board of Elections, or any other government entity. Its sole purpose is to provide a way for voters to stay informed without having to scour the Internet for information. Together, we can build a guide to help people make smart decisions in the upcoming Special Election, and for all future election days.

Comments

[seppoyank]

Thank you! I have been looking for something like this for YEARS. Bookmarked and looking forward to using and contributing.

[BibiCi]

Thank you Ryan! I felt exactly like you did when I, like you, voted for the first time in Illinois in November.

I moved from a neighboring state last summer where I was a campaign volunteer on some campaign or another for almost every election as long as I can remember. I worked in the statehouse for assorted elected officials, including our state's former governor. I knew candidates, dynamics, and nuances of nearly every political race at the state and local level. When I voted I really bereated myself when the ENDLESS ballot was in front of me.

I felt like I had somehow taken for granted that I would know who to vote for, and had failed myself in studying the candidates because I was so used to being "on the inside" politically. I'm glad I'm not the only one. Indeed, Illinois citizens (and the media) need to do a better job.

I'm taking it upon myself with the upcoming 5th District Special. Though I'm half tempted to run myself for Rahm's seat (I in fact have North side Chicago roots! Several generations of ancestors buried in Rose Hill Cemetary! Yet absolutely no current political baggage!) I'm committed to being informed. Our neighborhood association has announced a candidate forum. I plan to attend if possible. I'll check out the website and pass on any pertinent info.

Thanks again for what you're doing.

[bettygg]

I agree about the voter guides. California residents receive comprehensive guides (the size of a book) listing pros/cons of issues as well as the statements of candidates. It costs more in taxes but this is an example of what you get for it. I would like to see a requirement for this kind of information. Anything that can be done to promote this concept in IL and nationally would be welcome.

[asabin]

Thank you Mr. Blitstein! This is a deeply needed resource!