November 2021
Think globally, act locally. These words, from Rosalee Keech, former Chief Observer for the League of Women Voters of the United States’ United Nations Observer team, are indeed words to live by.
On the global scale, these first two weeks of November we look to the United Nations’ 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26), an annual global summit on climate change. For nearly two weeks, world leaders gather alongside thousands of negotiators, government representatives, businesses, and citizens, this year in Glasgow, Scotland. The LWVUS is part of this global picture, represented in person and virtually by our LWVUS United Nations Observer team and 11 local League members.
Monday, November 8, President Obama addressed COP26, noting that to truly move forward “... we have to persuade people who currently do not agree with us or or are not attentive to the issue. We have to do a little more listening, understand their realities and work with them." His words brought me, once again, to thoughts of civility.
That same morning, Governor Pritzker joined governors from Oregon, Hawaii and Washington for a press conference about climate action and net-zero future. The governors spoke of significant state actions to move toward COP goals for preservation of our planet.
Among the 11 local League members attending COP26 is at least one from Illinois.
The next step down the line is you.
Think globally, act locally.
We all need to take responsibility. Let’s change the trajectory for our earth. Be aware, be more knowledgeable about the issues. You will be motivated right away. Share your passion, ideas and action. Educate and activate others. Each one of us can and must effect change right where we are.
Think globally, act locally.
Learn more about about climate action and COP26 and take action.
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President
League of Women Voters of Illinois
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Voting Rights are Nonpartisan
The Freedom to Vote Act and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act have been stalled in the Senate, largely along party lines. The League of Women Voters of Illinois and the Brennan Center for Justice recently discussed the details of these two bills and their progress. Listen to the discussion to learn more about the importance of national voting rights legislation and the path forward for our country.
Voting Rights for All
Throughout our nation’s history, the right to vote has never been available to everyone and free and fair access remains unavailable to many citizens today. The League works to improve access to the franchise because voting is the strength and backbone of our democracy.
Voters who have trouble with accessibility are being denied the right to vote. The League continues to work to remove or prevent voting barriers due to things such as disabilities, transportation, work schedules, ID requirements, registration limits, intimidation & deception, and voter purges.
To ensure the continued existence of the right to vote, that right needs to be exercised. When citizens do not vote, they cede the decisions of our democracy to the few who do vote.
- This is why the League works for higher voter turnout at each election.
- This is why the League fights for voter access.
- This is why the League works with election authorities and others to make sure legal guarantees are implemented.
- This is why the League fights all forms of voter suppression, from gerrymandering to inequitable voter ID laws.
Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy
Empowered voters equals a stronger democracy. Voter suppression equals a weaker democracy. National voting rights laws strengthen our country, uplifting all votes, all voices. It is simple: be empowered, use your voice. Be a voter.
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Take Action - Defend Democracy!
Every senator in every state must be contacted and urged to protect our freedom to vote and reform the filibuster. Tell Senators Durbin and Duckworth that process must not stand in the way of progress.
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202-224-2152 DC office
312-353-4952 Chicago office
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202-224-3854 DC office
312-886-3506 Chicago office
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Educated Citizens are Empowered Voters
Voter empowerment through education is at the core of the League's mission. Voters who know more about their candidates and the actions of their elected officials have a reason to vote. LWVIL works year round to make sure every eligible voter has what they need to be an informed, empowered voter.
On the most basic level, the League’s voter education includes information about how to register to vote, access a ballot, and where and when to vote. You can’t vote if you can’t get to the ballot box! Beyond the basics, the League provides voter education about candidates and important issues voters will see on their ballot. This level of education is key.
- Nonpartisan candidate forums, led by League-trained moderators, give voters an opportunity to hear candidates respond "in the moment."
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The League-trained nonpartisan Observer Corps works year round to attend and report on all levels of monthly government meetings. When voters know how their elected officials are performing, they can hold them accountable at the ballot box.
Illinois Voter Guide
From ballot basics to candidate information, the nonpartisan Illinois Voter Guide is a one-stop online tool for statewide election information.
Voters can use the guide year round to register to vote or confirm their registration. During election season, voters can apply for a vote by mail ballot or find their polling location and times for voting in person. Information is also available in Spanish.
During election season, voters will find background information on the candidates on their ballot. Some candidates will have chosen to submit testimonial videos and answers to questions about current issues. Voters will also find videos of many of the League’s nonpartisan candidate forums, which are conducted by League-trained moderators.
Everyone Can Empower Voters
As election season gets underway, voters can use the League’s nonpartisan tools to help inform and empower their personal networks. Using LWVIL’s publications, social media posts and the Illinois Voter Guide, everyone can help educate voters and increase voter turnout.
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Election Law Changes for 2022
The 2022 elections will incorporate some of the election law changes made during the pandemic. Notable changes include:
- Voters can apply for permanent vote by mail status.
- Election Authorities may establish curbside voting.
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Each county must establish an election center where all voters in the jurisdiction may cast a ballot regardless of the precinct in which they are registered.
- High schools must distribute voter registration information to all students.
- No high school may prohibit nonpartisan voter registration activities on its premises.
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In Illinois, Most People in Jail Have the Right to Vote
SB2090 states jail personnel must provide pretrial citizens with a voter registration application, a vote by mail application, and access to information about their voting rights. An onsite polling place must be provided in counties with populations greater than 3,000,000. SB825 allows an onsite polling place in jails in counties with populations less than 3,000,000 people.
The Law Protects the Voting Rights of Citizens:
- Who have been released from jail on parole, mandatory supervised release, or electronic monitoring;
- Who have been charged and not convicted. Citizens can vote if they are in jail pre-trial, have been released on bail or bond, are not convicted for the crime for which they are detained, are under electronic monitoring, or have recently been arrested but never convicted;
- Who are on probation;
- Who have been incarcerated before, but are not currently.
LWVIL Works to Ensure Citizens Know Their Voting Rights
Citizens in pretrial detention aren't always aware of their right to vote. To keep them informed, LWV Chicago worked in coalition with other organizations to develop Know Your Rights. This comprehensive information sheet clearly spells out the voting rights of citizens in jail. Fifteen thousand copies of Know Your Rights were sent to jails across the state before the 2020 election as part of a mass distribution effort led by LWVIL.
LWVIL encourages local Leagues to facilitate voting in jail, and recently hosted a discussion for interested Leagues. Attendees heard from:
- LWV of Chicago, who has successfully brought both voter registration and onsite voting to Cook County jail.
- LWV Central Kane County, who is beginning the process.
- Speak up and Vote, who is working with sheriffs and election authorities in Will County.
- Chicago Votes, who has deep, ongoing experience in Cook County and a has created a detailed, step-by-step guide to their work.
The key takeaway for all involved is that establishing relationships with local sheriffs and election authorities is crucial to working with those who are detained and facilitating their right to vote. For more information contact LWVIL voter services at
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Legislative Update
Report on the Veto Session
Reproductive Rights
LWVIL was one of many organizations that supported the Youth Health and Safety Act (YHSA), which passed the House 62-51. This closely watched bill repealed the Parental Notice of Abortion Act (PNA), which required health care providers to notify parents when a minor sought an abortion. The YHSA has not yet been sent to Governor Pritzker for his signature. He has said he will sign it, making Illinois one of the most progressive states in the country for reproductive rights.
Affordable Housing
The League supported a bill which would have ensured that a renter’s source of income could not be used as a reason to deny a lease. This bill was not called for a vote and will be revisited in 2022.
Election Policy
The League did not take a position on the omnibus election bill, SB0536, p assed during the final hours of the veto session. Like many omnibus bills, this one contained a number of elements which were not addressed by League positions. The changes will be effective immediately upon the Governor's signature.
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The League's Platform
Where We Stand is the League of Women Voters of Illinois' guide to public policy positions. The League of Women Voters of the United States' guide is Impact on Issues. Together, these form the basis for all action taken by Illinois Leagues on state and national issues. League positions in Where We Stand are updated through member study and consensus and voted on during the LWVIL biennial convention. The 2021–2023 copy of Where We Stand is available on the LWVIL website.
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Local League Educational Events
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Stay up to date!
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Thank you for supporting our work to defend democracy and empower voters.
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