Just over a third of Chicago's registered voters showed up to the polls in last month's general municipal elections. That is a depressing turnout, but Chicagoans will get a second chance thanks to Chuy Garcia forcing Mayor Rahm Emanuel into an April 7 runoff election.
The standard deadline for registering to vote in the runoff was March 10. Thankfully, the Chicago Board of Elections has a grace period. If you're one of those "Oh shit, I forgot about democracy" folks, then you can head to one of 51 grace period registration and voting locations before April 4. The only catch is that you have to cast your ballot upon registration.
Until the day comes when we can vote on our smartphones, voter turnout for things like the name of the Shedd Aquarium's baby sea otter will continue to be much higher than a mayoral race.