By Sean Froelich
Voter turnout was dismal in the general election in February. And with Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Cook County Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia forced into a runoff election, many in Chicago took rather creative approaches to get voters to the polls this time. Here are some examples, and some other oddities seen around the city this runoff election day.
Uncle Sam is a Rahm supporter?
Uncle Sam w/@RahmEmanuel sign sparks Board of Elections investigation. @nbcchicago reports http://t.co/g6iZJB9jAE pic.twitter.com/N0FocxhYQK
— Medill Reports (@MedillChicago) April 7, 2015
Is Uncle Sam, our nation’s mascot, breaking election law? A giant, inflatable Uncle Sam with a sign saying “Vote for Rahm!” was planted in front of a private home in West Lawn. Cool? Maybe not, because the home is also an election center, and would be in violation of city code if it is closer than 100 feet to the house entrance. The exact distance could not be immediately confirmed. Reports show the sign was eventually removed.
Artists ‘choo-choo-choose Chuy’
Have you ever thought, “I could just eat up “Chuy” Garcia”? Well now you can. “Chuy” cookies featuring his signature mustache were being served at La Catrina Café in the Pilsen Neighborhood. The cookies are just one example of the many “Chuy” Garcia artifacts on display around the city. One artist will also allow “Chuy” to ride in style, win or lose.
Rahm aint’ got this kind of love- seen by Grissom School, 10th ward. #Chuy2015 painted on side. #ChicagoElection2015 pic.twitter.com/YBNyXaQISX
— Annie Tan (@AngryTeachr) April 7, 2015
Rahm has lunch with notable company
So many possible captions for this… MT @nfwazwaz: Bob Fioretti joins Mayor Rahm Emanuel at Manny’s in Chicago pic.twitter.com/seBnGXJgvz
— Zoe Galland (@zoegalland) April 7, 2015
Mayor Emanuel has been out and about doing some last minute swooning with voters around the city. That kind of buzzing around builds up an appetite. Mayor Emanuel sat down at Manny’s in the South Loop. But he wasn’t alone. “Not-a-sore-loser” Ald. Bob Fioretti, who received seven percent of the mayoral vote in February, had some matzo and corned beef with the incumbent. Filling out the Chicago political elite dining club was Secretary of State Jesse White. His famous Jesse White tumblers were no where to be found.
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