With the Chicago mayoral race in voters’ hands, the outcome might not be known for days

Last-minute early voters cast ballots Monday at the Loop Super Site polling place operated by the Chicago Election Board. (Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times)

After months of campaigning and more than $24 million in spending, the decision on who will lead Chicago for the next four years is finally in the hands of voters.

An April 4 mayoral runoff is virtually guaranteed. A nine-candidate field is almost certain to prevent any one candidate from receiving more than 50% of the vote.