LWVGE Programs

Program Planning, our annual working meeting, is a members-only event that sets the tone for our future focus. We’ll hold 2025 Program Planning at the Glen Ellyn library on Saturday morning, February 1 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Next month, I’ll be reaching out to reviewers to examine sections of both our local and our Illinois positions in preparation for this important meeting. Thanking you in advance, as this project requires many eyeballs and careful consideration.

Details on these upcoming programs to come! Please check our website (lwvge.org) to confirm before attending.

Submitted by Candy Purdom, VP Program

The League of Women Voters of the United States president Dianna Wynn and CEO Celina Stewart released the following statement on the 2024 election results:

“The 2024 election underscores the dedication of poll workers, election officials, and volunteers nationwide, who ensured that every eligible vote was counted, and every voice was heard. This year’s election was marked by integrity, transparency, and high turnout. The American people have spoken.

“While we celebrate a fair and secure election, the outcome of this election has made the future for women unclear. Given the disturbing rhetoric made during this election season, we are deeply concerned about challenges we may face, particularly regarding the issues that disproportionately affect women, from health care and reproductive rights to economic security and equal representation.

We are thankful to Leagues across the country for their tremendous work supporting the election infrastructure and supporting voters, as well as every election worker and democracy defender who guaranteed our fair and free voting process. We are thankful for the work they have done so far this cycle and the counting, curing, and certifying work that will take place in the weeks ahead.

The League is dedicated to our mission of defending democracy. As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advocate for policies that uplift women and ensure equitable representation in all levels of government."

Submitted by Judy Kinn, Co-President

It’s been a VERY busy two months for Voter Services! 

In the October Voter, we highlighted our Candidate Forums and Video Voter Guide. We wanted to share the efforts of all the voter registration events held this season as well as the High School Mock Elections!

Voter Registration/Awareness Events:

·      LWVGE held Registration/GOTV events at 11 sites in September and October.

o  National registration Day 9/17: GE Library; GB-West; GB-South; GB-East; COD

o  GE Newcomers - 9/19

o  St. Mark's Church - 9/29

o  Atria Retirement Community - 10/4

o  OAKtoberfest - 10/5 (GOTV only)

o  Parkview school - 9/20, 9/27, 10/4, and 10/18

o  Faith Lutheran Church – 10/27 (GOTV only)

·      Total Registrations in General Election season (Aug-Oct) = 56

·       Number of LWVGE volunteer registrars = 32, with many working multiple shifts

 High School Mock Elections for 4,259 Students!

LWVGE partnered with Social Studies Department Chairs at 3 schools-Glenbard West, Glenbard South and Glenbard East to hold mock elections for 3425 students-65% of the combined student population. Prior to voting at mock polling places, students watched our video “How to Vote in DuPage County” and reviewed our handout on referendums. Fifteen LWVGE volunteers, many of whom worked multiple shifts at multiple schools, checked students in, distributed mock ballots, directed students to voting booths, and directed them to a mock ballot box. The winners at all three schools were Harris/Walz for President, and Yes to the Forest Preserve District referendum.

·      LWV of Roselle-Bloomingdale held a mock election for 834 students at Lake Park High School, using the process developed by LWVGE. 

Submitted by Gail Berstein and Deb Hornell, Voter Services