Welcome to 2021!
LWVIL begins this year with a renewed appreciation of the power of the vote—a renewed certainty that every vote counts. We begin this year knowing the power of our work to educate and activate voters and the importance of our work to protect the vote for all.
We also begin this year with new skills—technological and personal. More Zoom! But also more patience and understanding. And for many of us, more determination—determination to use our voices to amplify the needs and injustices that loss and crisis have brought into crystal clear focus. We begin the year more determined than ever to educate, activate, and raise our voices for changes that will help us all move forward.
While we may not be able to control events around us, we are always in control of how we choose to respond. We can best respond by participating as fully as we are able—with our neighbors, with our communities, with our government.
When we participate, our participation will actively reflect our choices—let us continue to choose kindness and patience; justice, equity and inclusion; education and social action.
The League of Women Voters of Illinois is committed to participating fully.
Let’s go!
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President
League of Women Voters of Illinois
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Congress Affirms 46th US President
This week, Congress will count the Electoral College votes as required by the Constitution and affirm Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States. Any objection to this process is simply political theater that directly mocks and defies our Constitution. Still, these actions will not change the legally proven result of the 2020 election.
In November, the American people turned out in record numbers to elect the next president of the United States, and the Electoral College confirmed the people's will last month. The electors from each state have certified their results, and the role of Congress this week is to confirm that the votes sent are the ones the electors certified. Congress has no legal ability to change those results.
While the League believes the Electoral College should be abolished, it is our current system for electing the next president. All elected officials must respect our democracy, accept the outcome of the election, and affirm the will of the people.
—Virginia Kase, CEO of the League of Women Voters of the United States
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Inauguration Day January 20
The inauguration of a new president is a hallmark of a stable democracy—the peaceful transition of power from one administration to another.
The date of inauguration is constitutionally mandated by the 20th Amendment, ratified in 1933. Prior to that, inauguration was on March 4, four months after Election Day. The 20th Amendment shortens the lame duck presidency and sets the day as January 20 (or January 21, should January 20 fall on a Sunday).
At noon on January 20, the terms of President Biden and Vice President Harris will begin, ending those of President Trump and Vice President Pence. Vice President Harris will make history by becoming the first woman and first person of color to take high office.
The day begins with the procession to the Capitol, during which the outgoing president traditionally accompanies the president-elect to the Capitol West front lawn for the swearing-in ceremony. The vice president’s swearing-in immediately precedes that of the president. After the president is sworn in, he will give the inaugural address.
Next is the honorary departure of the former president and first lady, after which the president will take his first official actions, signing nominations, during the signing ceremony, a tradition begun in 1981 by President Reagan.
The president, vice president and guests then attend a luncheon in the Capitol, followed by a Pass in Review of military troops on the East front steps, culminating in the inaugural parade.
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Criminal Justice Reform: Position Update
This summer’s protests and continued attention on police and community relationships have made it more important than ever for LWVIL to update our Criminal Justice Position, which dates back to 1995.
Not only will an update reflect more than two decades of research, social change and technological improvements in criminal justice, but it is an opportunity to add a statement about policing, which the position lacks. This will allow us to speak to police-related legislation that is expected to come forward in the Illinois General Assembly.
Local Leagues are meeting this month to study and discuss current issues like community policing, cash bail, alternatives to arrest, police training, and successful re-entry programs.
Each League is responsible for reaching agreement on 14 different topics and reporting their responses to LWVIL’s study committee. Using input from these 41 local Leagues, the study committee drafts a new Criminal Justice Position, which is sent to the LWVIL Board for approval and then to the state Convention in June for ratification by the entire League.
The resulting non-partisan position, based on research, data and member consensus, makes it possible for members to be powerful advocates for public policy and legislation. Using the League’s supporting position, members can maximize their impact in communities across the state.
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The League encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
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2021 Local Elections
As the nation prepares for the certification of a challenging (and challenged) election with the inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Harris, Illinois voters are preparing for upcoming local elections. We, as individual voters, stand to have a great impact in our local communities.
Many Illinois communities will hold primary consolidated elections and consolidated elections during the first months of 2021. Local elections are being held for municipalities, school boards, park boards, townships, and other special districts.
Consolidated Primary Election
- Jan. 14: Vote by mail ballots begin to be sent out
- Jan. 26: Last day to register to vote through a deputy registrar
- Feb. 7: Last day to register to vote online
- Feb. 8: Early voting begins at permanent polling places
- Feb. 18: Last day to request a vote by mail ballot
- Feb. 23: Election Day
Consolidated Election
- Feb. 25: Vote by mail ballots begin to be sent out
- March 9: Last day to register to vote through a deputy registrar
- March 12: Early voting (if a Primary was held) begins
- March 21: Last day to register to vote online
- March 22: Early voting begins at permanent polling places
- April 1: Last day to request a vote by mail ballot
- April 6: Election Day
Illinois Voter Guide
The Illinois Voter Guide currently can be used to register to vote, apply to vote by mail, and check on your registration. The candidate guide for the Consolidated Election on April 6 will become available on February 25. Information will be available for municipalities with populations greater than 10,000 and all school board elections.
Ballot Drop Box Reauthorization
LWVIL, as a member of the Promote the Vote coalition, sent a statement to the Illinois legislature in support of reauthorizing Ballot Drop Boxes for the 2021 Spring elections. This may come up during the January 8–13 “lame duck session” and LWVIL encourages people to contact their legislators in support of reauthorization.
Illinois General Election Statistics: 2020 vs 2016
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Registered Voters
Voters
VBM/Early in person
Election Day
Turnout
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2020
8,364,099
6,098,729
3,639,845
2,458,884
72.9%
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2016
8,029,847
5,666,118
not available
not available
70.56%
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Upcoming Events (all events are held virtually)
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Bridging the Partisan Divide: Removing Roadblocks to Making Democracy Work
Wednesday, January 13, 5–6:30 pm
Let's learn more about facilitating communication across the aisle! This training will give attendees a sense of the process used by the nonpartisan, nonprofit Braver Angels organization to hold conversations among people with opposing viewpoints. This event is free to all. Registration required
Ethics Reform: Restoring Faith in Illinois
Wednesday, January 27, 5–6:30 pm
This spring, legislators in the Illinois General Assembly will be proposing an ethics resolution. Learn about the fight against corruption in Illinois government. Presenters will include Alisa Kaplan, Executive Director of Reform for Illinois and State Representative Kelly Cassidy (14th District). This event is free to all. Registration required
LWVIL Issues Briefing
Saturday, February 20, 9 am–1 pm
Saturday, February 27, 9 am–1 pm
LWVIL's annual Issues Briefing is an opportunity for attendees to preview issues and legislation likely to be addressed during the spring General Assembly. Two days, six different sessions - save the dates! Registration available soon.
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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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