A Note From the President, June 2022
So much is happening in our country right now - we see our safety threatened, our healthcare threatened, our civil rights and our democracy threatened. 

The overwhelming events of recent days are showing us that now, Now, NOW is the time to vote.

And yet, early voting turnout is not where it needs to be. Not by half. And so, because we are the League of Women voters, we persist! We keep putting ourselves out there, working to get voters to vote. 

We are all doing amazing work in the face of so many challenges. But some days it is important to acknowledge that it can be difficult. Make sure you take time to breathe and take care of yourself. Check in with people you know. Support each other. Appreciate a sunset, a flower, a good meal, something that makes you smile. Share your victories, no matter the size. Lift each other up. 

The work we do is important. Our presence is felt. Our efforts make an impact. We are changemakers. It’s an exciting time to be a member of the League - it's election season!
President
League of Women Voters of Illinois
Grow our Power: Support the LWVIL!
As we all strive to grow the League’s impact, it is important to recognize the work the LWVIL does to support your dedicated efforts. From the Illinois Voter Guide to state level advocacy, your state League works hard to elevate the League's profile, amplifying all of our voices as we empower voters and defend democracy. Together, we power the League. 
 
Your gift to LWVIL will support mission work for every League in Illinois.
Make a donation today. 
Illinois Primary Election Day is June 28
Spread the word! (There are voters who don't know there is an election going on. )

Be a resource! Help voters find the information they need.
The Illinois Voter Guide is every Illinois voter's one-stop-shop for voting logistics (where and how to register, polling place locations, what the ballot looks like) AND nonpartisan candidate information. Be prepared! Print out the Illinois Voter Guide QR code (find it on the LWVIL website), and carry it with you.

Help make sure people actually VOTE!
  • Be a “voting buddy”—make a date to go to the polls or drop off your mail-in ballots with another voter, or two (or three!). 
  • Hold people you know accountable. Call them and ask when they plan to vote. Early? By mail? On election day? Call them again to make sure they have voted. 

Voters are the heartbeat of a healthy democracy.
Be persistent. Be relentless.
Democracy depends on all of us to be part of Team GOTV.
Early voting is open statewide.
Online voter registration is closed.

Register in person and vote the same day at your early voting site or election day polling place.

In-person registration requires two forms of ID, one with a home address. Find a list of acceptable ID in the Illinois Voter Guide.

17-year-olds can register and vote in a Primary Election if they will be 18 by the General Election.
REGISTER TO VOTE
VOTE
BY
MAIL
There's still time to request a vote by mail ballot.

Return your completed ballot via mail or to a Secured Drop Box at any early voting location before Election Day.

BALLOT DIDN'T ARRIVE?

If you requested but did not receive a mail-in ballot, you will be allowed to vote at an early voting site or on Election Day with a provisional ballot. First you will complete an affidavit stating the ballot was never received or that it was received and lost. 
If you already submitted your mail-in ballot, you cannot retract it. You have voted!

If you still have your mail-in ballot but decide you want to vote in person, you can!
  • Turn in your ballot at your early voting location or on Election Day polling place.
  • Your mail-in ballot will be voided.
  • You will be given a new ballot to vote in person. 
CHANGED
YOUR MIND
ABOUT
VOTING BY MAIL?
VOTING
IN
PERSON
If you make a mistake on your in person ballot, you can request a new one.

You have the right to receive assistance from poll workers.

If your name isn't on the list of voters, check your polling place and ask for a provisional ballot.

On election day, if the polls close while you’re in line, you still have the right to vote.
By law, polling locations must be fully accessible to meet ADA requirements.

You are allowed to bring a person of your choice to assist you in voting.

You have the right to receive assistance from poll workers.

NEED HELP
AT THE
POLLS?
ELECTION PROTECTION HOTLINE

866-OUR-VOTE
(866-687-8683)

Spanish: 888-VE-Y-VOTA

Asian Languages: 888-API-VOTE

Arabic: 844-YALLA-US
Pre-convention update
Illinois will be represented by 70 delegates at LWV national convention next weekend, about two-thirds of the number allowed by our state’s combined membership. This will be LWV's first hybrid convention, held both in person in Denver and online. More than half of League delegates from across the country are attending virtually, a trend matched by Illinois delegates. 

One of the primary considerations for delegates at convention will be the League Structure Transformation Plan. This plan is a set of proposals designed to grow League membership in both number and diversity and to support the grassroots power of those members to do mission work.

The Structure Transformation Plan is the result of more than a year’s worth of study and exploration by the League Structure Taskforce. This diverse group of local, state, and national leaders has put forth three major recommendations: formalize League and membership Rights & Responsibilities; upgrade our membership mechanics; and, invest in state League capacity.

At convention, delegates will vote on a bylaws change that will allow the LWV to move forward with the upgrade to membership mechanics phase of the plan.

All members are encouraged to read more about the League Structure Transformation Plan and how it would impact mission work.  

The LWVIL Issues & Advocacy committee is watching the LWVIL proposed program for the 2022-24 biennium. LWVIL is paying special attention to the LWVUS recommended concurrence with the LWV of California’s criminal justice position and LWV of New York State’s healthcare position.

In addition, among the nearly 80 not-recommended/other items that were elevated by numerous local Leagues, the abolition of the electoral college, elevated by 27 Leagues (including LWVIL), is expected to be moved for consideration. Delegates are also expected to vote on a resolution that would make it easier for Leagues to support immigration reform. 

See next month’s Member Bulletin for an overview of Convention outcomes.
Event Calendar
Check out the event calendar on the LWVIL website and connect with other local Leagues. Go to the event calendar for information on how to submit your League's educational events for posting.
Thank you for supporting our work to defend democracy and empower voters.