Judicial Ratings, 2/05/08 Primary

Written by: Barry Aldridge on Jan 24, 2008 1:51 PM EST

Linked to groups: Northside DFA

I've posted a compilation of the bar association ratings of judges on our file page at:

http://www.dfalink.com/group_files.php?gid=247

Everyone in Cook County will be able to vote for all of these judges, except for the last office, 8th subcircuit. If you live outside the 8th subcircuit, you may still have a subcircuit election to vote for. You can find out at: http://www.voteforjudges.com

Barry Aldridge

Dan Seals / Jay Footlick Fundraising

Written by: Barry Aldridge on Sep 9, 2007 11:00 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Northside DFA

Some of us are thinking of waiting until after the primary to get behind Seals' campaign because he is a shoe-in for the nomination.
However, as of the latest FEC filings, Dan Seals has raised $264,160 and his challenger, Jay Footlick, has raised $287,493.  Clearly, Footlick has access to lots of money, which could deplete Seals' funds for the general election, even if he wins the primary.  Our contributions and work for Seals at this time could be critical.

Election Judges for February 27, 2007

Written by: Barry Aldridge on Jan 3, 2007 5:05 PM EST

Linked to groups: Northside DFA

At the December 2006 meeting, I brought up the idea of DFA/ERP members serving as election judges and donating part or all of their pay back to DFA/ERP as a fundraiser for us.  Also, ensuring elections are well-run and staffed by intelligent, good-looking people is naturally grassroots, progressive democracy.
Judges serve on a 2-year cycle.  The current cycle began with the November 2006 election.  Sometime in mid-January 2007 the Board of Elections will know if they need more Judges for the upcoming election and will then create a schedule of training classes.  At this time (January 4th) they do not know if they even need to train any more people.  I will post to this Blog when they make an annoucement.
If you are interested in becoming an election judge in the City of Chicago, you can read all about it and download an application at the URL below.  Applications must be mailed-in to the City (you cannot apply on-line).  I will bring applications to the January 4, 2007 meeting. http://www.chicagoelections.com/judgeofelection.htm

Judges must help set-up equipment in their precinct at 5:30 a.m. and stay after the polls close at 7 p.m. to count ballots.  You get $100 per election and $50 for going through the training.  If you are the person who brings the election materials back downtown after the election, you get even more, but I'm  not sure how much.
Judges are certified for 2 years at which time they must re-apply.  During this 2 years they ask that you participate in 3 elections.  
You may also be asked to register voters at certain times of year, which pays $30.
There is a Student Election Judge program for High School seniors.  Information about that is also available at the URL shown above.

Early Voting in Chicago - Sites

Written by: Barry Aldridge on Oct 22, 2006 9:28 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Northside DFA

There are 26 sites in the City where Early Voting is taking place, including the basement of 69 W. Washington (City Hall).

The map of these locations is at: www.chicagoelections.com/evmap.p...

You may Early Vote at any of these locations, regardless of where you live in Chicago.

Early Voting runs October 16 through November 2, 2006 from 9 am - 5 pm weekdays and 9 am to Noon Sat. and Sun.

Vote Against Retention of Judge Kowalski

Written by: Barry Aldridge on Oct 10, 2006 4:58 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Northside DFA

The Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening (the group that was mentioned at our October meeting) released their recommendations on 70 judges who are up for retention this November 2nd.

Of these, all 10 Bar Associations in the Alliance recommended against retention of Judge Robert J. Kowalski. You can read their recommendations at: www.voteforjudges.org...

The article about this in the "Tribune" is at: www.chicagotribune.com/news/loca...

Signature Checking, Fair Illinois

Written by: Barry Aldridge on Jun 2, 2006 11:21 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Northside DFA

Hey everybody! I just spent a few hours checking signatures at Fair Illinois. The training takes about 5 minutes and then you're off. The process is really simple and doesn't require any special computer skills. If you've ever used a word processor, you can do this.

They provide everything you need. It's on the 3rd floor, and there is an elevator (3342 N. Halsted across from Sidetrack). There are staffers there to answer questions. There's also drinks and snax in the kitchen.

Wear light clothing, as the computer room gets hot and the apartment's a/c isn't equal to the task of keeping the room cool.

I must say that finding a bad or questionable signatory and adding that person to the list of challenges is VERY gratifying. Apparently about 70-80% of the signatories from Chicago are being challenged. I was checking mostly small, downstate counties and the average was 30% bad signatures.

SO, there are clearly lots of liars, cheats and fraudsters (wd?) who submitted petitions (WWJD?). All Fair Illinois needs is enough volunteers to check all of the signatories and there's no way this thing will get on the ballot.

Barry