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| Use the table of contents to navigate through our newsletter! |
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| | January 23, 2026
Dear Neighbors,
I hope you enjoyed the long weekend and are staying as warm as possible. This week kicked off with a great reminder of the warmth of community. My team and I had the pleasure of joining the at for Finish Strong, an initiative focused on encouraging students and teachers to close out the year on a positive note. We’re grateful to for sponsoring this effort and supporting our school community! I am so proud of all of our young Mustangs for making it halfway through the school year and, of course, finishing strong! |
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I'd like to give a huge shout to all the neighbors who joined us Thursday evening - especially those of you who braved the cold to attend in person - to learn about the proposed development at . This development - called "" - would provide permanent homes to 54 women who are either currently homeless or at high risk of homelessness. The proposed building is only the first of three potential buildings on this vacant lakefront lot bound by Sunnyside, Clarendon, and Agatite, and in the future would be joined by two more buildings on the rest of the site. The community meeting not only provided neighbors the chance to ask questions, offer feedback, and engage directly with the development team, but also gave neighbors the opportunity to tour Sarah's Circle's existing building at 4737 N. Sheridan and really understand the services that they provide. Please - your input is essential as this project continues to move forward! |
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With temperatures dipping into the negatives this weekend, please be sure to bundle up if you plan to be outside.
If you or someone you know needs a warm place to go during cold weather, 46th Ward are available throughout the neighborhood during business hours, including sites, senior centers, fieldhouses, and libraries, with additional extreme cold centers open as conditions worsen. Please remember to stay warm over the weekend and only go outside if absolutely necessary. Below, you’ll find a complete list of the ward’s warming centers and cold weather resources. |
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Neighbors, don’t forget—it’s , which means if you’re braving the cold in search of a good meal, there are great options right here in the 46th Ward.
From January 23 through February 8, restaurants across the city are celebrating Chicago’s incredible food scene, and it’s a perfect opportunity to support our local small businesses while enjoying something warm and delicious.
,, and Whether you’re craving Ethiopian, Mexican, or Puerto Rican cuisine, there’s something comforting and tasty waiting for you, so grab a table, try something new, and show some love to our local restaurants. Be sure to check out to see all participating restaurants and plan your next meal. |
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Yours In Service,
Alderwoman Angela Clay
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One more week of our office teaming up with to recycle string lights now that the holidays are over! 💡♻️
Stop by our office during business hours to drop off your used or broken lights—now through January 31st. |
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Business Walkthrough on Montrose
This week, my team and I checked in on two shops that have been stabilizing anchors on the 900 block of Montrose Ave. where it intersects with Broadway and Sheridan. I wanted to hear from these businesses about how they’re faring this winter. Business typically tends to slow down during the colder months, particularly January and February, when people hunker down at home and wallets tighten after the holidays. One of my goals is to reach out to shop owners, listen to their concerns, get their feedback, celebrate their achievements, identify their needs, connect them to resources that will support their operations, and promote their businesses.
 Our first stop, , was experiencing a post-lunch rush. This little gem of a cafe is located at 942 W. Montrose, and has been under the ownership of coffee aficionado Brandon Valentine since late 2022, when he purchased the business from the original owners. We were warmly welcomed by barista Hannah, who has been on staff for a few years. Hannah was efficiently making coffee drinks, complete with well-executed latte art, for the steady stream of customers wanting a hot beverage on a cold day. We chatted with several loyal patrons, most residing in close proximity to the cafe, who wanted to talk about a wide range of community issues from street drainage, to affordable housing, to rats, and feeding the pigeons (a definite No-No). Drink Happy Thoughts offers all the basic espresso drinks, chai, matcha, tea, mushroom coffee, a selection of Superfood Smoothies (highly recommend the Diplomatic Immunity), creative House Specials, and fresh pastries and bagels. Business Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 3pm, Saturday - Sunday 8am - 4pm.
A few doors over from Drink Happy Thoughts, we discovered a giant hotdog lounging on a  couch on the sidewalk next to the entrance of – locals just call it Jake’s, for short. The band of windows that wrap around the corner from Montrose to Sheridan are plastered with posters of all the favorites on the menu – onion rings, Italian beef sandwiches, elote, pizza puffs, tacos, gyros, nachos, cheese fries, fountain drinks, and of course, hot dogs. Inside, you’ll find old school menu boards, a gumball machine, checkerboard vinyl tile flooring, a handful of dining tables and chairs, and two non-functioning payphones that serve as wall art now but harken back to the days before we were all digitally connected. The whole place is a time capsule, filled with Uptown memories and history. We bumped into a few senior neighbors who, over the decades, have made Jake’s a regular stop in their daily routines. This family-owned and operated business, located at 4401 N. Sheridan Rd, has been serving up classic diner food for 67 years, making it one of the oldest businesses in the 46th Ward. Owner Randy Siegel started working at the restaurant when he was just a teenager, mingling with the colorful clientele while learning the ropes of the family business from his father Jake. Randy told us the story of his dad, a CTA bus driver, seeing the “For Rent” sign in the window at 950 W. Montrose while he was driving the 151 Sheridan Bus. Soon after, Jake rented the storefront and opened the original Jake’s location on May 20, 1959. He eventually bought the building in the 1970s and moved the restaurant to its current corner location. He named it Pup in the Ruf to indicate that they sold hotdogs and that the area was on the “rough” side at the time. Fun Fact: Jake’s Pup in the Ruf was inducted into the on October 11, 2006. Jake will be 90 years old this year and doesn’t make it into the restaurant as much these days, but with his son Randy at the helm, whose own sons are coming into the family business, along with their dedicated staff, we can rest assured that Jake’s Pup in the Ruf will continue to be a neighborhood institution for future generations of Uptowners.
 According to Randy, the three most popular items on the extensive menu are:
(1) the traditional Chicago Style Hot Dog – Jake’s uses hot dogs in a steamed and topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt; (2) the sizeable Double Cheese Burger with Fries; and (3) the signature Broasted Chicken - chicken pieces that are marinated, lightly breaded, and cooked in a high-pressure fryer, which results in a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Other things not to miss: T-shirts & Hoodies, Breakfast Anytime, Dollar Donuts from 4-9pm, soft serve ice cream in a cone or cup, horchata, shakes, slushies, and 10-pound bags of ice to fill your cooler on the way to Montrose Beach. OK, who can blame us for dreaming about summer when it’s this cold? Business Hours: 7 days, 8am - 8:45pm
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Heat up your January with a hot Hip Hop class, courtesy of Lawrence Powell Jr.! Lawrence is back and will lead a FREE one-hour class that covers the steps and technique of an American classic, Hip Hop.
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| | RESERVE ONLINE IN ADVANCEFree Winter Weekdays for Illinois Residents at The Art Institute
January 5–February 27 Free admission is available each weekday we’re open from 11 a.m. through closing (5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and 8 p.m. on Thursdays).
You can ; your resident status will be verified using the zip code associated with the billing address provided. If you’re unable to reserve tickets in advance, please stop by the admissions desks on the day of your visit for assistance. |
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| | | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Rule Change |
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| SNAP Eligibility Rules Are Changing — What You Need to Know
Important SNAP Benefits Update
Earlier this year, Congress passed H.R. 1, the which includes major changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Beginning February 1, 2026, expanded work-reporting requirements will take effect, marking the most significant tightening of SNAP eligibility in decades.
These changes expand work requirements beyond adults ages 18–54 to now include adults 55–64 and parents or caregivers whose youngest child is 14 or older. Most SNAP recipients ages 18–64, unless exempt, will be required to document 80 hours per month of work, volunteering, or job training to maintain benefits after three months. Failure to report could result in the loss of benefits as early as May 1, 2026.
These changes could impact food access for hundreds of thousands of Illinois residents. To help neighbors understand whether they qualify for an exemption, we encourage residents to use the (IDHS) SNAP screener tool and application forms, which our office will continue to share and promote.
For more information and ongoing updates, visit or call the Illinois ABE hotline at 800-843-6154.
To find free food programs near you, visit |
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| Submit a Lime Scooter Removal Request |
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| Please click to submit a scooter removal request and for Divvy bike removal. We appreciate your assistance in helping keep our neighborhood clean. By contract, shared bike and scooter companies must remove their property within two hours of a 311 removal request.
Please contact our office directly if you see illegal/dangerous activities on green Lime scooters (riding on the sidewalk, two people sharing one scooter, etc). We are able to work with Lime to potentially administer fines, suspensions, or bans if you can include a photo/video of the behavior, and a time and location. You can also call 1-888-546-3345.
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| Reminder: Don’t Feed the Pigeons (Seriously!) As much as we all love our feathered friends, feeding pigeons does more harm than good — attracting rats, damaging property, and creating a mess for neighbors and local businesses. A friendly reminder that feeding pigeons is actually against City ordinance. Let’s do our part to keep the ward safe and sanitary for everyone. |
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| 46th Ward Upcoming Events |
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| | | | | Houseless Neighbors Updates |
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| We're looking for donations to help restock our Free Community Cornerstore! Items like baby wipes, dental floss, shampoo, conditioner, and new children’s socks go a long way in supporting our neighbors who need them most. If you're able to contribute, please consider dropping off supplies at our ward office. Together, we can keep this vital community resource going strong! |
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| | | Our office is in close communication with Edgewater/Uptown Migra Watch, a network of neighbors that does rapid response to confirm potential ICE sightings. Confirming ICE sightings is a critical part of keeping our neighbors safe. If you see activities that you suspect may be ICE, please report it to the so that a team can go out and confirm their presence. This is an important part of how we keep our neighbors safe! |
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On Thursday evening, we hosted a community meeting for neighbors to discuss and learn about a development proposal by Sarah's Circle at 4458 N. Clarendon. If you missed the meeting but want to see the presentation -
is a social service organization that has been serving single, unaccompanied women experiencing homelessness since 1979. They have grown over the years to serve over 700 women annually through four programs: the Daytime Support Center, Interim Housing Program, Rapid Rehousing Program, and Permanent Supportive Housing Program. Sarah’s Circle currently owns and manages 3 properties in Uptown - each containing apartments and program space.
The proposed development - called "Sarah's on Sunnyside" - will be a 54-unit, 7-story new construction permanent supportive housing development. All units, studios of approximately 460 square feet, will be targeted to women at risk of homelessness who earn no more than 30% of AMI (area median income) - currently $25,000 per year. Building amenities will include a community room with kitchenette, a therapeutic garden, sensory room, and 24/7 onsite staffing including security and property management staff. Sarah’s Circle will provide supportive services to all tenants and will manage the property.
This building would only take up the northern third of the lot and would be the first of 3 potential buildings to be built on the site. The development does not require a zoning change due to the existing zoning entitlements on the site and only requires Lakefront Protection Ordinance (LPO) approval at Plan Commission. You can read more about the proposal by checking out all of the details on our Zoning and Development webpage !
Please let us know what you think by filling out our feedback ! It will remain for two weeks through Friday, November 6. As always, please reach out to our office via phone or email if you have any questions. |
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| Infrastructure & Development |
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| Arterial Street Light Project Montrose between Marine & Clifton |
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The Arterial Streetlight project on Montrose between Marine and Clifton has faced some weather-related delays and construction finally nearly complete. The new street lights were fully connected to the grid this week and contractors will begin removing the old poles as soon as weather permits. Once the poles are removed, sidewalk restoration will follow as soon as possible.
Installation of new street light poles (see photo above!) began in November - you can see one of the new street lights below; the new poles include “piggy-back” lights to help illuminate both the street and the sidewalk. Final asphalt restoration will take place next spring due to winter paving constraints. |
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See the images below to find your beat and see meeting dates and locations. Search by address . See our local 19th District’s website . Email [email protected] or our office with any questions |
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| | | | | Community/Citywide Events & Resources |
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Apply now to be part of the 2026 Chicago Farmers Markets season! Chicago farmers markets run from May through October in neighborhoods across the city. The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is on the lookout for passionate producers and creators of handmade and natural goods to join the farmers market vendor community. Showcase your craft, connect with your neighbors, and grow your business! . Deadline is Friday, January 30th! |
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 CityKey holders are also eligible for various benefits and discounts through our many business partners:
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Attention business owners, commercial property owners, and developers: applications are now open for the next round of and Community Development Grants. Grants can support projects ranging from $250,000 up to $5 million for new construction, rehabilitation, or expansion.
The deadline to apply is February 13, 2026. Recent 46th Ward awardees include the ) and |
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| The ensures a fair and vibrant marketplace for businesses, workers and consumers in the City of Chicago. BACP licenses businesses and public vehicles, regulates business activity, protects consumers from fraud, enforces Chicago’s labor laws, partners with business service organizations and provides education and resources for businesses.
BACP is here to support your business today: Business Education Webinars: Entrepreneur Certificate: Neighborhood Business Developments Centers: Small Business Center:
FREE BUSINESS EDUCATION WEBINARS The offers free business education webinars every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. Topics include business licensing, operations, financial resources, marketing, and more. Programs are free, hosted online and open to the public and taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies. Upcoming Business Education Webinar Schedule: January 28 - January 30 - February 4 - February 19 -
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| for details on upcoming expos and resources, plus get the latest updates about the City’s business initiatives and ordinances that might affect your operation. |
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Community Grant Application
, a 501(c)(3) community nonprofit organization, is pleased to accept applications for community grants that strengthen and support nonprofit work within the East Lakeview neighborhood. Eligible applicants may include organizations working in the areas of education, social services, public safety, arts and culture, environmental initiatives, technology, green space, and community enhancement. Grant awards range up to $2,500 per organization.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
Note: Grant funds may not be used for political fundraising.
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The (UBC) is managed by Uptown United, and supports new and existing business owners and entrepreneurs within the East-West boundaries of Lake Shore Drive to the Chicago River, and North-South boundaries of Lincoln Park to Rogers Park. Whether you’re in the idea stage of your business or a long-standing business owner, the UBC provides a suite of FREE business services.
Upcoming Uptown Business Center Events: Social Media Mastery: Boost Your Local Business Presence When: Monday, January 26, 1 pm Where: Haibayo - 1132 W. Argyle
This is a hands-on workshop designed specifically for local business owners looking to stand out on social media in 2026. We'll cover essential strategies like content planning, platform selection, and effective community engagement to increase brand awareness and drive foot traffic. The Instagram app downloaded on your phone is required for this workshop. .
Small Business Taxes 101 When: Monday February 9, 12:30 - 2 pm Where: Uptown Business Center - 4619 N. Broadway
Learn tax season tips and tricks from local experts. Presented by Wintrust Bank and Noren, Nordling and Associates PLLC. .
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The helps entrepreneurs in Cook County navigate the challenges of business growth by connecting them to the right experts, resources and funding opportunities. If you're looking for guidance, sign up for free at and get connected to an expert for one-on-one business advising, events, and more. |
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| | , powered by helps Chicago entrepreneurs grow and succeed. Their mission is to provide small businesses with FREE business assistance. ChiBizHub connects a large network of nonprofit service providers offering a wide variety of business-building services for small businesses. We match these organizations to early, emerging, and established small businesses throughout the region who visit the site looking for help. |
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| | SAVE THE DATES 
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) brings free business resources to the community for new and existing entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business in the City of Chicago through the Series. The series of expos offers business resources such as City of Chicago business licensing consultants, tax clinic, financial advisors, workshops, professional headshots, networking and much more.
2026 SMALL BIZ EXPO SERIES: Thursday, March 12 at 9 am to 12:30 pm held remotely, Saturday, May 16 at 8:30 am to 1:30 pm held at Truman College, Saturday, August 29 at 8:30 am to 1:30 pm held at Malcolm X College,
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| Visit the , located at 1145 W. Wilson - Room 1917, to access employment resources, information about job training, and more. The center has knowledgeable staff that provides career assistance and job skills training for youth (ages 18+) and adults. All services are FREE.. Please call (773) 831-5221 in advance to get information about hours, orientation, and workshop details. |
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| | Our partners at the are helping keep our community safe. Following Mayor Johnson’s new , the Chamber has free official signage and whistles are available in their office, 4619 N Broadway, for local businesses and property owners. 15 large signs and 10 small stickers (shown below), first come, first served during business hours (Mon–Fri, 9 AM–5 PM). Below you will also find a quick guide small businesses can use if ICE arrives.
Let’s continue standing together for an Uptown where everyone feels safe and supported. |
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Join us for FREE family fun at at Northerly Island Park, 1521 S. Linn White Dr., on January 24 from 11am - 3pm.
Kids will receive free fishing instruction & enjoy Nature Play, a creative way to cultivate imagination with recycled holiday trees.
Have fun while enjoying all the wonders of nature at Polar Adventure Days! See Husky teams sled around the park Live ice carving Make a nature-inspired winter craft Meet live animals Enjoy live music and hot cocoa Food available onsite for purchase Puppet show at Northerly Island & Roaming puppets at Big Marsh with the Jabberwocky Marionettes Try balancing & walking on a slackline with expert guidance from Slackline Chicago
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Call for Lifeguards to work with the Chicago Park District this summer on the beach and at our pools! Apply today to take the on January 30 at 4:30pm at Foster Park, 1440 W. 84th St. |
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Enjoy a discounted Chicago Bulls game and support the Chicago Park District's Inner City Hoops Program with your purchase. Learn more and purchase your tickets now at . |
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Housing/Utility Resources |
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| | | | | provides programs and supports to older adults aged 60 and better to keep them healthy, active and engaged. They have a number of programs to highlight that are available online including:
Creating Dementia-Friendly Buildings - An Online, Self-Directed, Learning Module brought to you by the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services Senior Services.
You can register at https://dementiafriendlybuildings.com
Benefits are a Click Away! at - We want to ensure seniors have access to the benefits to which they are entitled! Senior Services is partnering with the National Council on Aging to implement this Chicago-specific guide to senior resources. BenefitsCheckUp: City of Chicago
The Fall edition of the “Chicago Seniors Connected” program brochure is here! Clicking here will provide you access to the brochure.
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| | 2025 Senior Guide Now Available
Looking for helpful tips, resources, and services tailored for our senior community? The Office of the City Clerk has released the 2025 Senior Guide, filled with valuable information to support older adults across Chicago. From transportation programs and health services to emergency contacts and community activities—this guide has it all. View or download the full guide here: Let’s make sure our elders are informed, connected, and cared for. |
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The Clerk’s Office is proud to announce an exciting partnership with the Chicago Wolves Hockey Team that honors those who have served our country. Veterans, active-duty military personnel, members of the National Guard, and reservists are now eligible to receive one free ticket to a 2025–26 regular-season Wolves home game, thanks to this special offer coordinated by Clerk Gordon and the Clerk’s Veterans Services team.
“This partnership is about more than just a game—it’s about community,” said Clerk Gordon. “Every veteran and service member deserves a moment to be honored and appreciated, and we’re grateful to the Chicago Wolves for standing with us in that mission.”
To receive a free ticket, veterans must be enrolled in the Clerk’s Military and Veterans Discount Card Program – a free initiative that also provides access to discounts on food, auto repair, legal services, health and fitness, and more. Those already enrolled are eligible, and additional discounted tickets are available for friends and family attending the game.
Getting your ticket is easy:
Sign up for the Veterans Discount Card at or by visiting the Clerk’s Veterans Office at 118 N. Clark, Room 120 in Chicago.
Go to to claim your free ticket and purchase additional discounted ones.
Tickets will be emailed and can be shown on your phone at Allstate Arena – no paper tickets needed!
This special offer is valid for Wolves home games through April 19, 2026, and tickets are available while supplies last.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, veterans and military can call the Clerk’s Veterans Services Office at 312-603-5788.
Let’s cheer on our Chicago Wolves—and honor those who’ve served our county and our country.
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The Cook County Assessor’s Office is currently hiring. Click to view available positions.
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| Are you bilingual in Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean or Tagalog? Then we definitely need your help! Sign up and support all our communities across the city and serve as an election judge in 2026. You must be a US citizen and a registered voter in Cook County. You can earn up to $230 for your service. |
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