Voters in Dolton, Illinois, took to the polls on April 1, 2025, in a crucial election that could reshape the leadership of their community. Many residents expressed a strong desire to move forward from the controversies that have plagued the village in recent years, particularly surrounding the administration of outgoing Mayor Tiffany Henyard. Voter turnout was reported to be light at Lincoln Elementary School, one of six polling places in the village. However, those who did vote were eager for change.
"We need to move away from all this attention, negative attention that's bringing to our community and start working on the things that's positive for our community," said Dolton voter Robert Patterson. This sentiment echoed throughout the polling place, as many expressed a longing for stability and effective governance.
Among the most anticipated races were those to replace Henyard as both Dolton mayor and Thornton Township supervisor. Jason House, a Democrat and current member of the Dolton Board of Trustees for eight years, is running against independent businesswoman Casundra Hopson-Jordan for the mayoral seat. House emphasized the need for financial stability, public safety, and infrastructure improvements as key components of his campaign. "We really need to make sure we're on solid financial ground. And that's one of our biggest platforms. Of course we have to improve public safety. We have to improve our infrastructure. We have a lot to do," House stated.
Hopson-Jordan, who is running as an independent under the Rebuilding Dolton Party banner, shared her perspective on the necessity for change. "I just felt it was important to throw my hat in the race to give people options, to know that we don't have to just keep recycling the same old politicians," she remarked. The contrasting backgrounds of the candidates reflect the community's desire for fresh leadership and new ideas.
Meanwhile, Tiffany Henyard, who lost her primary election bid, has not stepped away quietly. In a recent Facebook Live video, she encouraged voters to write her name on the ballot for the Thornton Township supervisor position. "If you want to be in, write me in, 'Tiffany A. Henyard,' for Thornton Township supervisor," she urged her supporters. This move has stirred further interest in the election, as Henyard faces off against a slate of candidates including Democratic State Senator Napoleon Harris, Republican Richard Nolan, and Independent Nate Fields.
As the polls closed at 7 p.m. on April 1, voters across Cook County were also engaged in various other elections, including village president races and key referenda. Voters in suburbs like Arlington Heights, Evanston, and Evergreen Park were making decisions that could influence local governance for years to come. The results from Dolton are particularly significant as they reflect a community yearning for change after a tumultuous period.
In Arlington Heights, independent candidates Jon S. Ridler and Thomas F. Schwingbeck Jr. were vying for the village president position, while in Evanston, Daniel Biss and Jeffrey Boarini competed for the mayoral seat. The outcomes of these races, along with those in Dolton, are being closely monitored as they could signal broader trends in suburban governance.
Referenda on various local issues were also on the ballots across Cook County, including questions about government structure and funding for public services. In Maywood, voters were asked whether to retain the current managerial form of government or switch to a strong mayor system. In Skokie, a proposal for ranked choice voting was put forth, allowing voters to rank candidates in order of preference. These measures indicate a growing interest in reforming local governance and increasing voter engagement.
As ballots are counted and results begin to emerge, the implications of this election will be felt far beyond Dolton. The desire for new leadership and effective governance resonates throughout the suburbs, reflecting a collective hope for a brighter future. With a mix of experienced politicians and fresh faces, the local elections in Cook County are shaping up to be a pivotal moment for these communities.
In summary, the elections held on April 1, 2025, in Dolton and surrounding suburbs are a testament to the dynamic nature of local politics. Voters are clearly ready for change, and the outcome of these races will be crucial in determining the direction of their communities. As the counting continues and results are finalized, residents remain hopeful that their choices will lead to a more positive and constructive future.
