Election roundup: Crestwood calls on Presta

Crestwood voters picked as their new mayor a longtime ally of the family who led the town for the past 40 years, according to early vote totals.

“I’m going to be my own man,” Trustee Louis Presta said Tuesday night. “I have a whole new …

Ninth term for Zabrocki in Tinley Park

Longtime Tinley Park Mayor Ed Zabrocki said his election Tuesday to a ninth term was a “validation” of the work done by the current village board and a repudiation of “fiction” spread by his opponent.

With nearly all precincts reporting, Zabrocki claimed 70 percent of …

Kadner: What if neighbors knew you didn’t vote?

Voter turnout historically is low in local elections. It was less than 20 percent in suburban Cook County in Tuesday’s election. But would it be right to boost turnout by threatening to “out” non-voters? Do people respond to the possibility of being publicly shamed? In …

Kelly steamrolls in 2nd District; vows to ‘take on NRA’

Democrat Robin Kelly breezed to victory Tuesday night, officially setting the stage for a new chapter in the scandal-ridden 2nd Congressional District that was represented for nearly two decades by the disgraced Jesse Jackson Jr. Kelly, 56, of Matteson, easily won over a weak Republican …

Voters split on D122 incumbents

Pat Martino and Sue Smith apparently managed to keep their New Lenox District 122 school board seats Tuesday in a crowded race that had eight candidates vying for four, four-year seats. However, incumbents William Pender and Deborah M. Kedzior may not return. Kathy Miller will …

Southland voters take to the polls

Voter turnout was looking as gray as Tuesday’s morning skies.

But, like the rain, that was expected. Without the media splash of a presidential election, local contests typically draw fewer voters, especially in areas where there are uncontested races, said Cook County Clerk David Orr. …

Early voting up, but light turnout expected Tuesday

As voters head to the polls Tuesday, results from early voting might provide clues about which races will draw the most interest.

Polling places will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cook County Clerk David Orr said they tend to be less crowded …

Will County authorities looking into Frankfort Township election mailing

Will County Clerk Nancy Schultz Vootz has asked the Will County state’s attorney to investigate an election mailing that was apparently distributed only to some Frankfort Township residents.

In bold print stating, “What if your neighbors knew whether you voted,”the mailing, purports to be from …

Kadner: Letter threatens to ‘out’ non-voters

A letter threatening to publish the names of people who don’t vote in Tuesday’s local elections was mailed to residents of Frankfort Township over the weekend. “What if your neighbors knew whether you voted?” reads the ominous opening sentence. “Why do so many people fail …

Mayoral contests highlight local elections

They don’t draw the spotlight of a presidential election, but the outcomes of municipal elections such as Tuesday’s have a much greater impact on the day-to-day lives of Southland residents, officials say.

“You are electing local officials who are spending your tax dollars,” Will County …

Father, daughter seeking trustee seats

They may not be the Madigans family — nor do they aspire to be, thank you very much. But just as Illinois Speaker of the House Mike Madigan and his Attorney General daughter Lisa Madigan rule the roost in Springfield, Kevin Clancy and his daughter …

Trustee race is key in Mokena

With Mokena Mayor Joe Werner having withdrawn months ago from Tuesday’s election, leaving the mayoral race uncontested, the focus has been on the races for village trustee.

Oak Lawn mayoral race features two different visions

Two very different visions for the future of Oak Lawn were presented Tuesday night at a mayoral debate between incumbent Dave Heilmann and his challenger, Sandra Bury.

The candidates participated in a one-hour debate at Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School. About 400 people attended the forum, …

Kadner: Oak Lawn debate lacks spark but offers insight

Sandra Bury promised “fireworks” before Tuesday night’s debate with Oak Lawn Mayor David Heilmann, but the fact is the much-anticipated confrontation between bitter political foes lacked spark. More than 400 people filled the cafetorium at Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School to hear the two mayoral candidates …

Eight candidates vying for a spot on Lockport’s District 205 board

Eight candidates are seeking four seats on the Lockport Township High School District 205 board of education in the April 9 election. Two current board members are not in the running — Ron Svara and Mike Petty — while two other incumbents are on the …