Election 2016: Patch Voter Guide

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.

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.

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.

GOP Candidate Victor Horne Challenges Dem Incumbent Fran Hurley in 35th State House Race

Democrat Fran Hurley is making her third run for the 35th District in the Illinois House of Representatives.Hurley is being challenged by Republican Victor Horne, of Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood, in the Nov. 8 General Election.

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.

Palos District 118 Building Addition in Voters' Hands

Taxpayers on Nov 8 will decide if they approve their school district's idea of a four-classroom addition at Palos West School.

Orland Township Voters to Mull Breaking Away from Cook County

Orland Township voters on Nov. 8 will consider if the township should break away from Cook County and become part of Will County, instead.

Crestwood Voters To Decide on Term Limits for Village Offices

In addition to casting votes for president, federal, state and county offices on Nov. 8, Crestwood voters will be deciding whether to impose term limits for village offices.

Burr Ridge Referendum Asks Voters to Approve $520,000 For Infrastructure Maintenance

Burr Ridge residents will vote on whether or not to raise the village’s corporate levy by $520,000, which is the same amount that taxpayers currently put forth every year for the bonds that brought Lake Michigan water to Burr Ridge, the Chicago Tribune reported. The money would go toward maintaining village roads and improving infrastructure in the area.

Orland Township: A Vote on Climate Change

Voters on Nov. 8 will decide what kind of role they favor their elected officials playing in measures regarding climate change.

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.

Cook County Voters To Decide If Recorder, Clerk's Offices Should be Merged

Cook County voters will have the rare opportunity to decide if an entire branch of county government should be eliminated in a move that supporters claim would save taxpayers millions of dollars over the next decade.

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.

Kim Foxx vs. Christopher Pfannkuche: State's Attorney Candidates Want to Reform Cook County Office

In some respects, voters made their statement concerning the embattled Cook County State's Attorney's Office when they overwhelmingly supported Kim Foxx over two-term incumbent Anita Alvarez in the March Democratic primary. The message from Cook County voters was clear: They want change.

Over 60 Cook County Judges Up for Retention, Make Your Vote Count Nov. 8

Good judges matter and it’s important that voters don’t skip that part of the ballot in the upcoming general election. Judges’ terms are longer and they wield incredible power. Participants in early voting, which runs from Oct. 24 to Nov. 7, as well as Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 8, will be voting for judicial candidates to fill vacancies and judges up for retention.

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.