Chicagoans are voting today in one of the city’s most historic municipal elections. Polls opened at 6 a.m.

For the first time in 64 years, a sitting mayor is not running for re-election. It also marks the first time in 22 years that the name of Richard Daley is not on the mayoral ballot.

Polls show former congressman and White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel well ahead of his three major challengers: Carol Moseley Braun, the former U.S. senator and the first black woman elected to that office; Gery Chico, who has held high-level positions at City Hall, Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Park District and City Colleges, and Miguel del Valle, the first Latino in the state Senate and currently city clerk.

Also on the ballot are Patricia Van Pelt-Watkins and community activist William “Dock” Walls.

The big question appears to be whether Emanuel can get the 50 percent plus one vote needed to avoid a one-on-one runoff election April 5.

The election also will result in a major City Council makeover. Across the city, 239 men and women are running for alderman, with only seven uncontested races in the 50 wards.

Chicago election officials expect voter turnout of slightly over 50 percent. Polls close at 7 p.m.

The U.S. attorney’s office and the Cook County state’s attorney’s office are monitoring polling places for any irregularities reported and to investigate allegations of fraud.

(Source: Chicago Tribune)