Candidates will hit the street to gather thousands of autographs from registered voters a month earlier than aspiring candidates did four years ago, the last time all 50 alderpeople, the mayor, city clerk and city treasurer faced voters.

Chicagoans have months before casting ballots for the city’s next mayor, but the competition is heating up with seven candidates vying for the top spot. Entrepreneur Joe Holberg was the first to enter the race.