Data on voting is some of the most sensitive data around, so we want to take a moment to explain to you what data we have and collect, and how we use and do not use that data.

Our principle is to use your personal data only to improve your experience on the site. There is no 'bait and switch', in which we ask for information for one purpose and then use it for another.

Here is the information we collect about you in the course of your usage of the site and why we collect it:
  • Visit Data.
    When you use this voter guide, we collect certain information automatically, including the IP address of the server you are accessing the Internet through, the type of browser you are using, the site that referred you to this voter guide, and the pages you visit while on the site. This data allows us to assess the performance of the site and of various pages within the site.
  • Street Address (optional).
    You can optionally enter your street address and ZIP code to find the races you are eligible to vote in. When you do this, we store this information so that you can construct a customized MyBallot to print out or send to yourself via email.
  • Email Address (optional).
    You can optionally enter your email address to have a copy of your MyBallot emailed to yourself.
  • Candidate Preferences (optional).
    You can optionally mark your candidate preferences using MyBallot.

We are committed to using this data in a way that protects your privacy. In particular:
  1. We will not use the information you reveal to us to market any products or services to you, nor will we allow any third parties to market any products or services to you. This means you will not receive unsolicited email, phone calls, or mail as a result of your use of the voter guide.
  2. We will not reveal your email address or any other personally identifiable information to any third party without your explicit permission.
  3. If you provide your email address, the only email communication you will receive from us will be information you have requested to have sent to you (e.g., a copy of your MyBallot).
  4. Any information we share with third parties will be summarized data that tells them about site wide usage patterns (e.g., how many people used the tool, which pages were most popular, etc.), and not about you specifically.
  5. Should the terms of this privacy policy change, we will post those changes here on a timely basis.



Illinois polls close in:
Polls in Illinois are open 6 a.m.-7 p.m.

ABOUT THE VOTER GUIDE
Our guide allows you to compare candidates and issues side-by-side and to create your own ballot, which can be printed or e-mailed.

It covers Senate and House races throughout the state, and most races and referenda in Chicago, suburban Cook, McHenry, Will, DuPage, Kane and Lake counties.

The questions for local and state candidates were posed by the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board.

The answers, as well as biographic information, was provided by the candidates and not edited by the Chicago Tribune. Video for some of the interviews conducted by the Editorial Board is also included in the guide.

If you have questions or suggestions, please send us an e-mail.
ABOUT VOTING IN ILLINOIS
Click here for details on how to vote.
Polling places:
Chicago | Suburban Cook | Illinois
Lake | McHenry | DuPage | Kane | Will
CHICAGO TRIBUNE ENDORSEMENTS
Read all endorsements.
Take a copy with you to the voting boot: Download PDF

More information
The Illinois Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Assocation also evaluate judicial candidates.

Editorial Board interviews with candidates

COMPLETE ELECTION COVERAGE

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The latest on national politics.




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Local and state political coverage.




Election 2008
Complete coverage of local and national races.



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