February 2021
With a country more deeply polarized than any time in recent memory, the League of Women Voters remains firmly nonpartisan - it does not support or oppose any political party or candidate.
The League seeks to influence public policies that are upheld by positions that we have researched, reviewed and updated over the decades. Over the years, these positions have stood the test of affiliation - belonging to neither party nor candidate. Our positions belong to “we the people” because as a League we meet every two years and vote to uphold them during convention.
Truly nonpartisan, the League’s positions reflect a commitment to scholarly exercise and examination. Following a rigorous study process, data are evaluated and consensus achieved.
Our mission compels us to support the active civic engagement of an educated public by providing accessible information. Civic engagement drives eligible voters to the ballot box, and informed voters are empowered voters. Voters make democracy work.
In defense of democracy the League stands firmly nonpartisan.
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President
League of Women Voters of Illinois
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Black History Month
LWVIL is committed to working toward a day when the history of our nation will be told through the lens of all those who have contributed and continue to contribute to the growth and protection of our country and its ideals.
Along the way, it is important to acknowledge and celebrate Black History Month by renewing our dedication to learning the truth about our history. The history of the League, like the history of the US, is fraught with mis-steps, marginalization and inequities that must be acknowledged and corrected.
Take a look at how the contributions of women of color will positively influence the League's next century in Dr. Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins' book, The Untold Story of Women of Color in the League of Women Voters. Jefferson-Jenkins, President of LWVUS from 1998-2002, was the first Black president in the League's history.
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February 14 is LWV's Anniversary
Last year, LWVIL celebrated the 100th anniversary of the League's founding by gathering on February 14th in the Gold Room of Chicago’s Congress Hotel, the very “room where it happened.”
A year into the League’s second century, the world looks very different. A global pandemic has resulted in the deaths of 440,000 Americans and wreaked havoc on the economy, bringing a laser focus to severe racial inequities in our systems of education, healthcare, social services and criminal justice. The country withstood a recent insurrection and remains deeply polarized.
Everything has changed—yet Leagues across the state haven’t missed a beat. Borne up by a century of protecting voters and elections, LWVIL's nonpartisan efforts in 2020 contributed safe access to ballots and record voter turnout.
On Valentine's Day, 1920, Carrie Chapman Catt addressed 500 women in a Chicago hotel: “Demand an equal voice and leadership… The League is going to educate women for active citizenship. Democrats and Republicans must work together, to be nonpartisan. Keep the flag flying for the principles of the Constitution.”
One hundred one years later, Leaguers are gathering by Zoom from living rooms, offices, bedrooms and kitchens. We enter 2021 hard at work, with renewed dedication to educating, advocating, and making sure democracy prevails.
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League Priorities for 46th President
Prior to inauguration, the League of Women Voters of the US sent a letter to President Biden and the Transition Team about working on the League's priority issues.
Among these are passage of the For the People Act, restoring the Voter Rights Act, implementing fair redistricting, the Equal Rights Act, immigration reform, climate change, quality healthcare for all, gun violence prevention and global justice initiatives.
In addition to working with Leagues across the United States on national initiatives, LWVIL works in coalition with many state partners to educate and advocate for local initiatives. This month, you can join LWVIL for a deeper look at community actions around many key issues during Issues Briefing. |
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For the People Act - HR1
“To expand Americans’ access to the ballot box, reduce the influence of big money in politics, strengthen ethics rules for public servants, and implement other anti-corruption measures for the purpose of fortifying our democracy, and for other purposes.”
This act, introduced in 2019 and passed by the House of Representatives, was not brought before the 116th Senate by then-leader Mitch McConnell. The League is working to make sure that the 117th Congress will pass this bill. Follow the bill’s progress.
The passage of the For the People Act would modernize voter registration on a national level by expanding automatic, online and same day registration. It would also address issues of gerrymandering and election corruption, which would go a long way to protect election integrity nationwide.
LWVIL supports HR1 as a path to guaranteeing that equitable access to the ballot box is a permanently protected right for all citizens. Your senators and representatives need to hear from you, no matter where they stand on this bill.
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ERA Ratification
First passed by Congress in 1972, the ERA finally garnered the 38-state support it needed for ratification in early 2020 (thank you, Virginia!). Now, ratification needs to happen.
The first step is to remove a ratification deadline, which the new 117th Congress has made a priority; resolutions to remove it have been introduced in both the House and Senate.
LWVIL played an instrumental part in Illinois becoming the 37th state to vote for the ERA in May 2018, and will continue to fight for ratification on a national level. Women MUST have constitutionally protected rights.
Urge your representative to support legislation to remove the ERA’s ratification deadline.
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Climate Change and CEJA
“The latest executive orders clearly establish climate change as a major priority for our nation," said LWVUS President Dr. Deborah Ann Turner. "Climate change is the most pressing global issue of our time, and the League recognizes that the federal government is best positioned to lead with climate policies that are consistent with the best available climate science."
LWVIL supports efforts to combat climate change, including the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA), which is positioned to help build both a healthier Illinois economy and healthier, cleaner Illinois communities.
Support for CEJA is deeply connected to LWVIL’s support for broader issues of ecojustice. Harmful environmental factors disproportionately impact historically black and brown communities. Explore this and related environmental issues by joining Issues Briefing on February 20.
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One Step at a Time: The Path to Real and Enduring Change
February 20 & 27, 9:00 am–12:45 pm
Open to the public, Issues Briefing is LWVIL's annual look at issues that matter. It’s a virtual briefing—six different sessions presented on two consecutive Saturdays. Zoom in and learn from nonpartisan experts about what is happening in Illinois in the areas of ecojustice, affordable housing, immigration, redistricting, income inequality and funding alternatives for the state's social equity initiatives.
Invite friends, colleagues and students—use this opportunity to engage and activate with people from all over the state!
In keeping with the LWVIL mission to provide equitable access information, tickets are only $10 per Saturday, and scholarships are available by contacting [email protected]. |
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Election Dates
Consolidated Primary Election
- Election Day: Feb. 23, 2021
Consolidated Election
- Vote By Mail ballots start to be sent: Feb. 25, 2021
- Early voting at permanent polling places starts: Mar. 22, 2021
- Election Day: April 6, 2021
Illinois Voter Guide
The illinoisvoterguide.org currently can be used for voter registration, vote-by-mail application and to check on your registration. The candidate guide for the April 6 Consolidated Election will open on Feb. 25. Municipalities with populations greater than 10,000 and all school boards will be covered in this voter guide.
No Drop Boxes for Vote By Mail ballots
Legislation that increased voter access for the 2020 General Election was passed for COVID-19 relief, and expired on December 31, 2020, eliminating the use of drop boxes for returning vote by mail ballots.
It is recommended that voters apply for their vote by mail ballots early so they have plenty of time to return them through the mail.
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FAQ: After the Lame Duck Session
A number of bills were passed during the recent Illinois General Assembly Lame Duck Session and now sit on the Governor’s desk awaiting his signature or veto..
What happens if the Governor vetoes a bill?
The 102nd General Assembly cannot override the Governor’s veto. They will need to start over, proposing new legislation.
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The League of Women Voters of Illinois is nonpartisan and neither supports nor opposes candidates for elected office but does work to influence public policy on specific issues after member study and consensus.
The League of Women Voters of Illinois Education Fund (LWVILEF) encourages informed and active participation in government by providing civic education and voter services. Make a difference today for you and your community with a tax-deductible gift to support our work to defend democracy and empower voters.
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