People lined up early this morning across the state ... not for the latest smartphone or hot concert tickets, but for the chance to be the first name on March's primary ballot.
Cook County Commissioner hopeful Andre Smith was the first candidate to line up to get his petitions in on the first day to file petitions, showing up at around midnight.
When asked why, he said it's about demonstrating commitment to the people who believe in his campaign.
"They circulated my petitions, they signed my petitions, and they're losing faith and hope," he said.
The second person in line, fellow Cook County Board candidate Kiana Belcher, slept in by comparison. She arrived at 4:00 am: "You gotta show dedication."
Deputy County Clerk Ed Michalowski says everyone in line by 9:00 am will be in a lottery for that coveted first spot on the ballot. Beyond that, he says this first day is a significant milestone for candidates.
"These are people that have put their blood, their sweat, their tears, their finances into running for hopefully what they would consider a dream," he said.
Candidates have a week to get petitions in. As for Andre Smith, now that his petitions are filed, "I'm going to sleep!"