Will snow impact voter turnout in Chicago area elections?

In the 2nd District, voters will cast their ballots today in a special primary election to replace former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.

It’s a crowded field with 18 candidates. That’s 14 Democrats and 4 Republicans.

The Democratic contenders include Robin Kelly, Debbie Halvorson, Anthony Beale, Ernest Fenton, Victor Jonathan, Larry Pickens, Joyce Washington, Rev. Anthony Williams, Fatimah Muhammad, Clifford Eagleton, Mel Reynolds, Charles Rayburn, John Blythe and Gregory Haynes.

On the Republican side: Beverly Reid, Lenny McAllister, Paul McKinley and Eric Wallace.

Contenders for the seat utilized their last full day of campaigning to make their final appeals to voters.

Polls in the 2nd District are open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. today.

The general election will be held on April 9th.