Chicago Students Cast First Ballots at Downtown Supersite

Students cast their first ballots at a downtown Chicago polling station this week.

The Chicago Votes organization brought high school students to a voting supersite located at South State Street and West Adams Street for its annual Parade to the Polls. The event ran for two days, on October 28 and 29, and targeted the 2026 Illinois general election. Organizers focused on helping students of color participate and understand the impact of their votes.

Chicago Votes stated that the event aimed to bring more than 1,000 eligible students from Chicago Public Schools and Noble Schools to the site. The initiative has operated for more than a decade. Organizers paired the voting process with music, art, and nonpartisan support. The goal was to make students feel prepared and welcome while they researched candidates and learned how to cast a ballot.

Mayor Brandon Johnson rode a bus with the students to the polling place. He said he hoped the experience would help them understand their influence. "They’re going to be able to experience their own power," Johnson said.

Hester Ouedraogo, a student at Baker College Prep, described her first vote as a milestone for her family. She said her parents and relatives immigrated to the United States seeking citizenship and opportunity. "I come from a family full of immigrants who came to the United States looking for citizenship and opportunity, so I’m really happy to be able to be the first generation to vote," Ouedraogo said. She added that she feels her vote helps with healthcare and public transportation.

Jashun Lee-Hall, also from Baker College Prep, noted that his family did not discuss voting much while he was growing up. He said knowing his voice matters helped him during the process. Kristopher Holiman, a first-time voter from Butler College Prep, said the opportunity left him thinking about the future of the city. "Being able to make a change for our city for the future gives me a good feeling, very good feeling to be able to do that," Holiman said.

Keyshawn Morrow, a student from Rauner College Prep, viewed the election as a chance to act on his concerns. Anaiya Butler, another Baker College Prep student, said the trip was a great opportunity and that she looks forward to voting for the rest of her life.

Nichole Jefferson Fields, assistant dean of students at Butler College Prep, described the trip as an extension of school work. She said Chicago Votes helped students learn about voting and research candidates. Jefferson Fields noted that the preparation teaches young people how elections connect to decisions that affect their daily lives, such as public transportation.