Intro
In reporting on issues of civic participation among Chicago’s immigrant communities, City Bureau’s elections team investigates how these communities have access and trust in the democratic process, and the response from institutions of government to the needs of these constituents. Our reporting has included rights to language access at the polls, the question over citywide broadband access and social services on the line in the vote over the fair tax amendment.
Our Stories
More than 55,000 Chicagoans over 18 are experiencing homelessness, and it’s difficult to prioritize voting alongside immediate needs. But advocates say it’s important to mobilize, especially with a presidential administration targeting government spending.
Thousands of Illinoisans could not vote in November, as the state bans people from voting while serving time for felony sentences. This exclusion from the civic process highlights how incarceration and reintegration challenges can prevent someone participating in democracy.
One big issue was largely missing from the election season: Covid-19 and Long Covid. Chicago organizers and disability advocates are still fighting for locals to take the issue seriously. They are urging residents to demand that public officials reinstate citywide Covid mandates, such as mandatory masking and testing.
Organizers who work in education, homelessness and housing justice shared several tips on how Chicagoans can get more involved in key local issues affecting our communities in 2025.
State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford hasn’t given up on making it legal for people convicted of felonies to vote while serving their sentence. He’s working on new legislation after his first bill stalled in Springfield.
Jahmal Cole, founder of youth advocacy organization My Block, My Hood, My City, said it’s critical for mentors like him to show young people how local politics affect their lives and how they can overcome challenges to use their influence.
Jess Maciuch, a Northwestern University researcher of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long Covid, laments that there’s little talk of chronic illness during election season.
Niya Kelly of the Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness challenges common misconceptions about voting without a permanent address.
Englewood and Bronzeville residents say politicians aren’t doing enough when they’re not campaigning for votes.
A collaboration between Chicago Documenters and Civic Reporting Fellows dug into questions surrounding the electoral process. Here’s what they found.

About the Reporting Team
Alex Arriaga is a yearlong Civic Reporting Resident at City Bureau covering a beat about how immigrants are participating in civic life. Lily Qi, Paco Alvarez and Lynda Lopez are Fall 2020 Civic Reporting Fellows.