Avoiding city elections

Mayoral appointment to fill Aldermanic vacancies is a tool frequently used to guarantee selection of party leaders’ choices and to avoid elections.

When 33rd Ward Alderman Richard Mell resigned mid-term in 2013 after 38 years of service, his daughter, Deborah, was appointed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel as his replacement. She was elected to a full term in 2015 and was defeated for re-election in 2019.

Mayoral appointment was first used by Mayor Byrne in 1981. Prior to that time, Aldermanic vacancies were filled by special election.