September 2024

There are 60 days until the election—and Democracy is calling.

Throughout our 100+ year history, the women of the League have answered that call, transforming moments into movements. We’ve watched Democracy struggle, and fought alongside her—sighed a collective breath of relief when she landed on her feet. And we will answer the call today, too. We will turn THIS moment—this momentum—into a movement. 

At the League of Women Voters of Illinois, we are energized and ready, but we need your help. Illinois’ attention is on us. Voters who were once disengaged are now looking into the eyes of Democracy, asking her, “What next?”

Can you help us reach these voters with our online voter guides, targeted billboards, and get out the vote postcards using smart voter data? Can you help educate every voter, and get every voter to cast a ballot?

There’s no mistaking it—our investment in voters and the future pays greater dividends in engagement and participation now than ever. We have been saying it for years, and we have been living it every day of our lives—Women Power Democracy. This is our moment.

Will you answer the call?

Becky Simon, President

bsimon@lwvil.org

Misinformation Is a Threat to Democracy

There has never been a more critical time to have accurate information about our elections! As we approach the November Election, Americans are being constantly bombarded with lies and misleading information about our election system. These falsehoods fuel attacks on voting rights and sow distrust in our democratic processes. It's no wonder that voters are confused and discouraged.

How can you fight back? By getting ahead of any falsehoods and flooding the public with trusted information that builds confidence about our elections. 

Sharing or commenting on inaccurate social media posts increases their visibility. Instead, share or create your own post with accurate information! Easily share our Voting Facts posts with a few clicks on Facebook, or download the graphics for your own use.

Some social media networks are suppressing political posts, so be sure to use other methods of information sharing. Download our Voting Facts infographic and share it via email, text and in person at your local libraries, grocery stores, coffee shops, and commuter stations.

LWVIL's statewide task force has even more resources for you to use, including tips for fact-checking and reporting misinformation and disinformation—check it out!

SCOTUS Recap

Don't miss LWVIL's First Annual SCOTUS Recap! Steven Schwinn, Professor of Law at the University of Illinois Chicago, will join us on Wednesday, September 11, 6:30 pm, to speak on major decisions made by the Supreme Court this summer—and the impact those decisions are likely to have on the future of the United States executive branch, the balance of powers, and democracy in general.

This virtual event is free and open to the public. Register to attend.

Disability Voting Rights Week: Sept. 9–13

Today, over 38 million people with disabilities are eligible to vote, but barriers keep many disabled voters from accessing their right to vote. Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW) is all about protecting the rights of people with disabilities to participate fully in our democracy. DVRW is hosted by the American Association of People with Disabilities’ REV UP Voting Campaign.

DVRW was created by grassroots disabled activists. DVRW is a cross-disability, cross-movement week of action. All community members and allies are invited to join in. Hearing, visual, and mental or cognitive impairments; difficulty walking or climbing stairs, dressing or bathing; and difficulty going outside alone are some of the challenges this week is intended to bring attention to. Here are some statistics to illustrate: 

• In 2022, 1 in 7 voters had difficulty voting.
• Around 1 in 4 adults have a disability in the U.S.
• Voters with disabilities were three times more likely to have difficulty or need help voting compared to voters without disabilities.
• According to the U.S. census, disabled voters increased their turnout by 1.6 points in the 2022 elections, compared to the 2018 elections.
• 15.8 million voters with disabilities voted in November 2022.
• States with easier vote by mail options had significantly higher voter turnout among the disability community.
• If people with disabilities voted at the same rate as nondisabled voters, there would be about 2.0 million more voters.

What can you do to help? Share the information in this article on social media, and support the efforts of your local League of Women Voters! We encourage all local Leagues to hold a voter registration event by reaching out to voters with disabilities through your local Park District Special Recreation District or by finding a Centers for Independent Living branch in your area.

Awareness is the first step to bringing change. 

Support Our Get Out the Vote Efforts in 2024

The goal of LWVIL's Campaign to Safeguard Democracy is to raise $75,000 for our statewide online voter guide, candidate forums, and efforts to fight misinformation and disinformation.

We're 75% of the way there! Thank you to our growing list of generous donors who have given over $56,000 so far.

Opportunities for Members