There have been presentations on two of the Oak Park referendum questions that will be on the ballot for the November election. The third question that is non-binding from the Oak Park Township is about proposing ordinances. The question states: “Shall the people of Oak Park have the initiative right to amend and propose ordinances by voter petition and enact those ordinances by voter referendum?”  This question was originally presented at the 2023 Oak Park Annual Meeting. You can read more about this question and the process of including it on the ballot here. And for more information on the Redistricting and Ranked Choice Voting questions, go to our website.

Fun Fact: Missouri has a constitutional amendment referendum question on their ballot that would prohibit the ranking of candidates. This question was put on their ballot by their General Assembly.

Early voting at the Oak Park Village Hall continues until Monday, November 4. Early voting is available from 9:00am-5:00pm Monday-Saturday and 10:00am-4:00pm on Sunday. Did you forget to register? You can register to vote and then cast your ballot when you go, just bring two pieces of identification with you. (Online voter registration is now closed.) Want to know what is on your ballot so you an make a plan and be prepared with your choices? Go here to see what will be on your ballot. This site can also tell you where your polling place will be if you choose to vote on election day, November 5. Want to know more about the judges on your ballot? You can go here to see their ratings from a variety of bar associations. You can also still apply for a Vote by Mail ballot here. The important thing is to go vote and to get your friends, neighbors, and family to vote also. Democracy is not a spectator sport!

Over 50 postcards have been mailed to all citizens that our League has registered to vote this year. These postcards were sent to remind these voters to get out and use their voice this election.

Thursday, November 14, is the next scheduled Coffee 'n Conversation event. In this time of polarization, many of us avoid conversations with others whose perspectives and opinions differ from ours. We worry that any attempts at discussions will devolve into arguments and acrimony, and result in anger and further divisiveness. Chuck Stone from Braver Angels will discuss ways that we can use to have respectful conversations when differences arise. We will learn how to reframe how we view the other side in the face of political and cultural conflicts that are dividing our country. This event is at the Nineteenth Century Club, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park, and goes from 9:30-11:00am. Share this program with family and friends and invite them to join you. Free and open to the public.

By all accounts, our LWV OPRF Centennial Gala on October 20 was a huge success and a great celebration attended by just over 140 league members and guests! Thank you to all who supported and/or attended our 100th anniversary party!

Thank you especially to our Gala committee members: Tina Birnbaum, Marsha Borders, Judy Crown, Jody Evenson, Michelle Fitz-Henry, Jane Hastings, Peggy Kell, Marge Massarello, and Mary Ann Porucznik. Whether they worked on the history exhibits, slide show, guest registration, sponsorship, flowers, menu, or any other organizational aspect, everyone did their part. In case you are wondering, Jody Evenson contributed her skills to design our beautiful Save the Date cards, invitations, and program. Great job all around! More details next week but we wanted to again thank our hard working committee.

Carlotta Lucchesi and Joan Petertil, Gala Co-Chairs

Have you paid your League dues? There are still 30 members who have not yet renewed and reminders will be going out to them. You can still go online or download a paper copy and renew now!

LWV Cook County October Newsletter

LWV IL October Member Bulletin

LWV US October 17 Update

Sun-Times article on Mis/Disinformation

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