At Village Hall in River Forest Voters Say Yes to Obama, No to Home Rule

Not a Romney supporter to be found at the polls at Village Hall in River Forest, few supportive of referendum on home rule.

Romney supporters were noticeably absent from the polls in River Forest today at Precinct 5 located at Village Hall in River Forest. Voter after voter who talked with us in the early afternoon said they were throwing their support behind the president, although, not all were doing so passionately. According to election judges, by about 1 p.m., 50 percent of the precinct had voted. Many residents voted early, or via absentee ballots, but judges had seen a steady stream of traffic throughout the day. "There was a line out the door when we opened this morning," said 58-year election judge Laurette Froelich. Voter turnout had been about average for a presidential election, she said, but by mid-afternoon the polls had entered a bit of a lull. "…

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Anxious About the Election? Talk to a Therapist as the Results Arrive at the Buzz Cafe

As they did in 2004, the Buzz Cafe in Oak Park will have therapists on hand as customers watch the election results roll in—in case you need a professional's shoulder to cry on.

By all accounts, it's going to be a nail biter of an election tonight as the results roll in. It probably comes as no surprise that at the polls in Oak Park this morning, voters were feeling a bit anxious about the outcome. If you're one of them, you might want to consider talking to someone tonight—over a cup of coffee perhaps. Starting at 6 p.m. tonight, the Buzz Cafe, 905 S. Lombard Ave. in Oak Park, will be turning on the television (a rare event) as employees and customers come together to watch the election returns. The event will offer place for people to come together to watch the election end—but also to provide some psychological comfort if the outcome doesn't go their way. Buzz Cafe owner Laura Maychruk first decided to provide …

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Relive Election Night with Patch's Blog

Readers watched results roll in and shared their predictions and reaction in real time with Patch's election night live blog. Take a moment to catch up on the conversation.

Looking to find some community as election day votes are tallied? We're here to help.  Patch will be live-blogging from the Beer Bistro throughout election night, starting when polls close at 7 p.m. Tuesday. We'll be updating results and other election news in real time. Tune in online and share your election predictions and reactions.

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On the Ballot: What the Frack is Hydraulic Fracking?

What is it, why it's on the ballot and what it means for voters in Oak Park.

Hydraulic fracturing—commonly called fracking—involves pumping a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals into well bores at high pressure to free gas from tight rock formations thousands of feet below ground, according to the Center for American Progress. Fracking has been used for about 60 years, and is taking place in 28 states. But with a push to find more domestic sources of oil and gas, the practice is coming more under scrutiny. The investigative team a ProPublica has published a long series of revealing articles — and don't miss the must-watch 2:30 video explaining the fracking process. Oil and gas industry associations, such as Energy from Shale, say the process is safe. Kimberly Oelze, president of the Illinois Oil and Gas …

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River Forest Ballot: Home Rule

What is it, why it's on the ballot and what it means for voters in River Forest.

Voters in River Forest will face a ballot question Nov. 6 asking them to approve or shoot down a measure that would give the village home rule status. In its most basic form, it's a framework under which local legislative bodies can make decisions. In Illinois, there are 209 home rule communities, including places with a population over 25,000 (which are automatically given home rule status) and smaller towns that have approved home rule governance by way of a referendum. And here's a look at what home rule provides: A home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function relating to its government affairs, including but not limited to, the power to regulate for the protection of public health, safety, morals and welfare, to …

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Oak Park Democrats Host Election Night Viewing Party at FitzGerald's

Drinks, politicians and election results at FitzGerald's Nightclub on Nov. 6.

Looking for a place to watch the election results roll in? FitzGerald's Nighclub is a good place to watch the various races unfold in the company of some local Democrats. The presidential race is expected to be a nail biter, so you might as well band together for support. Hosted by the Democratic Party of Oak Park, election coverage will be shown starting at 6:30 p.m. on FitzGerald's 9 x 16 foot big screen in the club, with a second screen provided in the heated outdoor tent outside as well—in case you need to step out for some fresh air. Campaign Munchies? Oak Park Democrats have you covered with plenty of snacks for hungry voters provided by Tom “Festival” Cimms. The menu will include jambalaya, Cochon de Lait (roast pork) and sausages …

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Find Your Polling Place and See a Sample Ballot

Get voter information from the Cook County Clerk.