October 2023

The League of Women Voters of Illinois has been safeguarding democracy for over 100 years.There are a lot of other organizations out there in the Illinois civics arena, but there is still nothing like the League, providing consistent nonpartisan work and getting results.

Today, democracy is under unprecedented threat, so LWV of Illinois is gearing up for 2024. You can do your part by helping to support the League. Our goal is to raise at least $50,000 for our work empowering voters and defending democracy in 2024. LWV of Illinois will be focusing on get out the vote efforts, publishing a voter guide, hosting candidate forums, and fighting misinformation and disinformation.

Last Friday, we kicked off our fundraising drive by opening our historic safe. It was a lot of fun and a lot of cake, but there were no gold bars inside. That is why we are asking you to donate today. 

Here is how your donation can help LWVIL defend democracy:

• $100 can buy printing and postage for 100 postcards
• $500 can buy media advertising space
• $1000 can buy a full year of smart voter data access for all Illinois Leagues
• $2500 can buy a month of billboard advertising
• $5000 can buy two months of intern salaries to help with voter data and League in Action

Now is the time to defend democracy. Make your donation today at lwvil.org/donate.

Becky Simon, president

bsimon@lwvil.org

Why We're Fighting School Vouchers

The Invest in Kids school voucher program diverts up to $75 million from public education and sends public dollars to unaccountable, untransparent private schools, while over 80% of our public schools in Illinois are underfunded. 

This program must end. On September 26, LWV of Illinois experts laid out the League’s stance and plan as we gear up to fight any attempt at extending IIK during the fall veto session. Watch the event recording.

Action Alert

Tell your state senator and state representative to vote NO on any legislation that revives or funds the Invest in Kids school voucher program. Take action.

League members are encouraged to join us in Springfield on Tuesday, October 24 as we lobby against IIK. Not a League member? Email us at issues@lwvil.org if your organization is interested in joining us for Lobby Day.

League on Immigration Policy

While immigration is a matter for the federal government to fund and administer, it is hard to ignore the growing problem that poorly-conceived and poorly-implemented federal immigration policy has had across the country, including here in Illinois. 

Chicago especially is facing a crisis as it works to shelter over 9,000 immigrants and tries to find a solution that addresses accommodations for an additional 2,000 still awaiting placement. You may have seen pictures of some of the 1,700 people using police stations as temporary residence, an untenable situation for both new immigrant families and the community at large.

LWV of Illinois supports state and local community efforts to provide orientation and counseling services for immigrants, but an influx of some 15,000 immigrants to the area since 2022 has left such services largely unfunded, along with food, housing and healthcare services. 

LWV of the U.S. favors responsiveness to those facing political persecution or humanitarian crises, a profile that recent asylum seekers surely fit. And because LWVUS also promotes immigration policy that is consistent with support of business and employment needs, recent efforts by our state officials to request immediate action regarding work permits for immigrants is a step in the right direction.

League Action in September

Representing 3600 members across the state, the League teams up with other organizations so that all of our voices are amplified.

• LWV of Illinois signed onto a letter to the Illinois States Attorneys Association stressing the importance of their compliance with implementation of all elements of the Pretrial Fairness Act, including non-cash bail, which went into effect September 18. The letter was authored by our coalition partner, Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice. 
• LWV of Illinois signed onto a letter aimed at reducing housing banishment laws for ex-offenders who are attempting successful re-entry into the community. The bill is supported by our coalition partners: Housing Action Illinois and the Illinois Justice Project.

Happy Voter Education Week!

This week, October 2–6, is National Voter Education Week. Illinoisans will next head to the polls for the Primary Election on March 19, 2024.

Are you prepared to vote? Take a moment this week to educate yourself and the people in your life.

Check your voter registration status or register to vote online. Questions about voting? We've got answers.

IllinoisVoterGuide.org will once again cover all the candidates on your ballot—sign up to be notified when candidate information is available.

Looking to make a difference? Sign up to be a poll worker.