Afterwards, Michelle Obama moved along the campaign trail to Denver, Colo.
In Chicago, however, Mrs. Obama arrived at the Martin Luther King Community Center at approximately 9 a.m. vote early -- the final stop during a trip home that was all about politics.
The first lady walked into the community center on the city's South Side to send a message, not only to vote, but to vote early.
"If she can take time out of her schedule to come and vote, I think the voters should follow her. They should do the same thing," one person said.
It appears her visit did encourage some Chicagoans who said they were going to vote anyway, but they voted early Thursday to see Michelle Obama and get pictures with her.
"I'm excited to see her and hug her," said one voter. "It was just exciting. At that time, I couldn't even think. I was shaking. I was so nervous and excited for meeting her for the first time."
Thursday morning's visit to the polls was a quick trip -- in and out for the first lady. Some fans waited to get a glimpse of her outside.
During her visit home in Chicago, Mrs. Obama also attended a fundraiser for Democrats running for Congress and a fundraiser to support Alexi Giannoulias. It's a tight race between Giannoulias and Republican Mark Kirk for president Obama's former Senate seat.
And in a nation full of tight elections, that is one seat Democrats desperately need to keep.
The first lady has a higher approval rating than President Obama right now by 20 points. It's rare for her to hit the campaign trail, but a lot is on the line this election cycle. Democrats need her help.
Next Tuesday, October 19, ABC 7 and the League of Woman Voters will host a debate with the major candidates in the race for the U.S Senate. It will air on ABC 7 at 10:35 p.m. You can also watch it live at 7 p.m. on our digital channel, 7.2. That also airs on RCN channel 618, Comcast channel 217, and channel 219 on Wide Open West. It will also stream live on ABC7Chicago.com.
