FAQ

• There are 3 categories: Staff, Parent/Community and Students, and every eligible person can cast a ballot in their category, when matching criteria for more than one category they can cast a ballot in each eligible category.

• There is no absentee vote - a parent cannot cast a ballot for themselves and a spouse.

• Only 1 vote per parent, even though they might have more children attending the school

• Parents and Guardians: Parents, legal guardians, and temporary custodians of students who are currently enrolled in the school.

• Community Members: Individuals who are at least 17 years old and reside within the school's attendance area or established voting district.

• School Staff: Full-time employees of the Board of Education who perform the majority of their employment duties at the school. This includes classroom teachers, assistant principals, administrative staff, and full-time custodial or food service personnel. (Note: The school principal and individuals employed by third-party vendors are not eligible to vote in the staff poll).

• Students: All full-time students enrolled and attending the school are eligible to vote for the student representatives.

No, students at Walter Payton High School are not allowed to vote for parent representatives in LSC elections.

• Students vote only for the Student Member.

• Parents & Guardians vote in Parent/Community Representatives category.

• Community Members vote in Parent/Community Representatives category.

• School Staff vote only for Staff Representatives.

The exception: If a student is at least 17 years old and resides within the school's attendance area or voting district, they meet the eligibility requirements to vote as a community member. In that specific case, they would be allowed to cast a ballot in the parent and community representative election.

To vote as a community resident in a Local School Council election, individuals must present at least two (2) current (unexpired) forms of identification that election judges determine to be reliable.

Specifically, the identification must meet the following requirements:

• Proof of Address: At least one (1) form of identification must display the voter's current residential address within the school's attendance area or established voting district.

• Second ID: The second form of identification does not need to show an address and can be any ID from the approved list or any other identification deemed reliable by the election judges.

Examples of acceptable forms of identification include:

• Driver’s License or State of Illinois ID

• Voter Registration Card

• Current Lease or Current Utility Bill

• Student ID or Public Library Card

• Permanent Resident Card or Matrícula Consular

• MediPlan/Medicaid Card or IDPA Card

• Credit or Debit Card

• Employment ID or Other Governmental Agency I.D.

• Court Documents

• Chicago CityKey Card

If a community resident does not provide the required identification but insists on voting, they will be allowed to vote only after completing an Affidavit of Challenged Voter (Form 14-26).

Yes, school staff can vote in both the staff poll and the parent/community election, provided they meet the distinct eligibility criteria for each poll.

• Staff Poll: To vote for teacher and non-teacher staff representatives, the individual must be a full-time employee of the Board of Education who performs the majority of their employment duties at that specific school.

• Parent/Community Election: Board of Education employees are explicitly allowed to vote in the parent and community election at any school their children attend or at any school where they reside within the attendance area or voting district.

Therefore, if a full-time staff member at a school is also a parent of a student enrolled at that same school, or if they reside within that school's attendance boundaries, they are eligible to cast a ballot in the staff poll as well as the parent or community election.

Yes, but only in the student election.

All full-time students who are enrolled and attending the school are eligible to vote for the student representative, regardless of their age or residential address. To participate in the student election, the student simply needs to present a student ID or be listed on the school's attendance roster.

However, the student would not be eligible to vote in the election for parent and community representatives. While they meet the age requirement of being at least 17 years old, community voters must also reside within the school's attendance area or established voting district. Because the student lives outside the district, they do not qualify to cast a ballot as a community member.

• Determine your voter category: Identify whether you are eligible to vote as a Parent/Guardian, Community Member, School Staff member, or Student.

• Gather the required identification: You must present valid identification to the election judges to prove your eligibility.

  • Community Voters: Must bring at least two (2) current, unexpired forms of identification. At least one must show your current residential address within the school's attendance area or voting district (e.g., Driver's License, State of Illinois ID, current lease, utility bill, or Chicago CityKey Card).

  • Parent Voters: Must bring at least two (2) forms of identification. One form must establish that you are the parent, legal guardian, or temporary custodian of a child enrolled at the school (e.g., the student's report card, a birth certificate naming you as the parent, court documents, or a tax return identifying the student as a dependent). The second can be a general ID. If you lack this documentation, election judges may also verify your status using the school's Student "Alpha List" or by checking with the Principal.

  • School Staff: Must bring two (2) forms of ID, and at least one must be a valid CPS Employee ID. Your name must also appear on the list of eligible full-time staff provided by the Principal.

  • Students: Must present a student ID or be listed on the school's attendance roster.

• Go to your school's polling place on Election Day: Voting must be done in person at the school, as there is no absentee or proxy voting allowed.

  • The election for parents, community members, and staff takes place on March 18, 2026, with polls open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

  • The student election takes place on March 16, 19, or 20, 2026.

• Present your ID to the election judges: The election judges will review your identification to qualify you to vote. If you do not have the required ID but insist on voting, the judges will allow you to cast a ballot only after you complete an Affidavit of Challenged Voter (Form 14-26).

• Cast your ballot:

  • Parents and Community Members may cast one vote per candidate for up to five (5) candidates.

  • School Staff may cast a vote for up to two (2) candidates in the staff non-binding advisory poll.

  • Students may cast a vote for one (1) student candidate.

• Request assistance if needed: If you have a disability and cannot enter the school, judges must provide curbside voting. If you need help voting, you can receive assistance from a judge or a person of your choice after completing an Affidavit of Assisted Voter (Form 13-26).