The League believes that voting is a fundamental citizen right that must be guaranteed.
We support uniformity of election laws and procedures throughout the state. Registration and voting methods should ensure the integrity of the election system, maximize voters' unencumbered access to the ballot, preserve the secrecy of the ballot, and ensure accurate and timely vote tabulation.
The Chicago Sun-Times recently published an Op-Ed by LWVIL President Becky Simon expressing concern about Illinois’ new law, which limits ballot access after primary elections and is likely to lead to claims of ‘stolen elections’ for years to come.
Over the last few months, the League spoke out on environmental protection, mental health, gun violence prevention, and more.
Support candidate transparency and voter education! HB4153 amends the Election Code to require candidates seeking office to submit an email address—making it far easier to contact candidates and find out what they aim to do if elected.
The new law allows 16-year-olds to pre-register to vote, with their registration held in abeyance until they reach voting age.
The freedom to vote is under attack. Urge your U.S. Representatives to support the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
Thank you to everyone who called their legislators and the governor and spoke up on behalf of these bills, which have now been signed into law.
Students are headed back to school, and election season is around the corner. It is time to reach out to young people who are newly eligible to register and vote!
In Illinois, the right to vote is a priority—and we have laws to prove it. Illinois laws provide some of the strongest voting rights protections in the country. And yet, until there are national voter protections and standards, federal elections are open to partisan manipulation. Which means the rights of all voters are at risk, even those in Illinois.
Thanks in part to the advocacy of League members, important legislation supported by LWVIL was passed by both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly this term.
Join the LWV of Illinois online on Monday, April 24 to lobby for issues you believe in. Whether you have five minutes or two hours, you can take part!
Issues Briefing is our annual look at current issues through an Illinois lens. Recordings from the February 2023 event are now available.
The 103rd Illinois General Assembly’s first session is underway and thousands of bills have been put forth in both the House and Senate. Make sure your legislators know what you want!
The League is closely watching this crucial election-related case, which will determine whether state legislatures have the power and authority to set their own rules for federal elections without any checks and balances from their state Supreme Courts.
The LWV of Illinois advocated for the passage of two bills in particular during Veto Session this fall—both passed!
Support legislation that the Illinois General Assembly (ILGA) is likely to take up during either the Veto or Lame Duck sessions—before newly elected legislators take office in January.
Every year, the League celebrates Women's Equality Day on August 26, the day the 19th Amendment was added to the Constitution. This year it feels as though we have stepped back in time—to find ourselves only footsteps away from the beginning of the path we started on 102 years ago.
There's an opportunity for more people in Illinois to participate in democracy and their communities. Every registered voter in the state should receive an application to vote by mail. It will offer the option of voting by mail permanently.
Important legislation supported by the League was passed by both Chambers during a spring session shortened by more than 1 ½ months because of the June 28 Primary Election.
High School Voter Registration (SB825) requires the State Board of Elections to prepare a one-page document explaining voter registration, which must be distributed to students by every high school. We’re working to help enforce this law.
Ask your state representative to cosponsor and vote YES in support of SB828, which permits all qualified Illinois residents to vote—even if they are incarcerated
Ask your state representative to vote YES in support of SB829, which provides for accessible vote by mail for Illinoisans with print disabilities
