Politics & Government

Election 2016: Your Voter Guide

Here's everything you need to know about the Nov. 8 election.

Take a look at the races and referenda you the voters will decide Nov. 8:

Mark Kirk vs. Tammy Duckworth: U.S. Senate Race's High Stakes Have Kept Campaigns in High Gear

Political observers knew the race to fill the Illinois U.S. Senate seat up for election this year would be contentious, given how important it is to both parties. But the battle between incumbent Republican Sen. Mark Kirk and his challenger, Rep. Tammy Duckworth, has almost beeen as fiery and brutal as the presidential race between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

Mark Kirk and Tammy Dickworth

Munger vs. Mendoza: A Big-Money Fight for Comptroller as Illinois Faces Crushing Debt and Unpaid Bills

Leslie Munger, 60, of Lincolnshire, and Susana Mendoza, 44, of Chicago, are angling for your votes in a special election for comptroller. Munger, a Republican, was appointed to the post by the governor in January 2015 after Topinka's death. Mendoza, twice elected to the Chicago city clerk's post, served six terms in the General Assembly.

Find out what's happening in Jolietfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Susana Mendoza and Leslie Munger

11th Congressional District: Incumbent Bill Foster Takes On Challenger Tonia Khouri

Incumbent Bill Foster will try to hold onto his 11th District United States Congressional seat in Illinois for a second term against Republican challenger Tonia Khouri.

Pierog Taking on Oberweis in Race for 25th District of State Senate

The race for State Senator of Illinois’ 25th District comes down to a battle between incumbent Republican Jim Oberweis and Democrat Corinne Pierog.

Find out what's happening in Jolietfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Plainfield Park District Asking Voters to Approve Referendum

The Plainfield Township Park District is asking voters to approve a referendum in order to finance a new recreation center, improve the site it’s on, improve neighborhood parks and improve and equip parks and park facilities.

White Oak Library District Referendum: Increased Tax Would Fund Improve Services

The White Oak Library District has a referendum back on the ballot that would increase taxes to fund improved services.

Homer Township Residents to Weigh in on Fire Trustee Process

Voters in the Homer Township Fire Protection District could gain the right to elect trustees to its fire protection board, if a referendum item on the Nov. 8 ballot passes.

Earned Sick Time for Illinois Workers: What to Know Before Voting on This Referendum

One of the referenda on the Nov. 8 ballot concerns a topic that has been getting quite a bit of attention at the local, county and state level: employee sick days.

Transportation Funding at Center of Amendment on Ballot in Illinois

Voters across Illinois will decide if tax money related to transportation will be earmarked for transportation needs.

Larry Walsh and Laurie McPhillips Vie for Will County Chief Executive Officer

The race for Will County Chief Executive Officer is between Democrat Lawrence M. “Larry” Walsh and Republican Laurie McPhillips.

Get Informed on the Will County Board Candidates

The districts that appear on your ballot are based on your residential address and listed on your voter's card.

Andrea Lynn Chasteen and Marlene Carlson Vie for Will County Circuit Clerk Seat

A longtime Will County employee is running against a private sector technology professional for the Will County Circuit Clerk seat left open by retiring clerk, Pamela McGuire, who decided against pursuing a sixth term in office.

Andrea Lynn Chasteen and Marlene Carlson

Former Will County Recorder’s Office Employee Challenging Recorder

Republican Kristin Cross is challenging incumbent Karen Stukel.

Good vs. Blackburn: U.S. Army Vet Hopes to Unseat Two-Term Will County Auditor

Urging Will County residents to “vote for Good,” republican candidate Gary Good is hoping to unseat incumbent auditor Kevin “Duffy” Blackburn in November’s election.

Deputy Medical Examiner Looks to Oust Incumbent Kane County Coroner

Two current Kane County coroners are going head-to-head next month for the leading role in local autopsies and death investigations.

Problem at the Polls? Here’s Who to Call

Who are you going to call if you spot a problem at your polling place? Well, it depends where your polling place is. But don’t worry, we have you covered here in Chicago and the surrounding area.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.