August 2024

Political parties and candidates use billboards to reach voters, and now so does LWVIL! We are selling democracy—that is part of our business! 


This summer, LWVIL put up five different billboards as part of our Get Out The Vote work. Our Campaign to Safeguard Democracy promised this to donors.


The goal was to target diverse communities with billboards in both English and Spanish encouraging people to vote. The signs featured QR codes linking to the LWVIL website and promoting the League of Women Voters of Illinois. 

Thank you to our generous donors for making this possible. We're 72% of the way there to our Campaign's goal of raising $75,000 for our statewide online voter guide, candidate forums, GOTV efforts, and fight against misinformation and disinformation.


Visit our website to make a donation that makes a difference!

Becky Simon, President

bsimon@lwvil.org

SCOTUS Punts on Social Media Censorship: What’s Next?

Does the First Amendment allow U.S. government officials to intervene and prevent the spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms? The U.S. Supreme Court recently had an opportunity to rule on this question. Instead, they declined to issue decisions in two cases, punting them back to officials in Texas and Florida.


Jill Wine-Banks, the distinguished attorney and MSNBC Legal Analyst, will join us on Tuesday, August 27, 7:00 pm, to speak about the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent action on social media censorship.


This virtual program will not be recorded for later viewing—please join us to watch it live. Register to attend.

Event Calendar

Leagues across the state regularly hold free educational events that are open to the public. Learn more about the issues you care about—sign up to attend an upcoming event!

Is the 2024 Election Free and Fair?

Is the 2024 presidential election free and fair? In short, yes. 


Despite some unusual twists and turns during this year’s presidential election, we can all rest assured that the US election system, and the rules governing how political parties select candidates for election, account for even unexpected and extraordinary situations like what we’ve all witnessed this summer.


Just as in any other election year, convention delegates will nominate a presidential and vice-presidential candidate from their respective parties according to its party’s rules. Those nominations will be accepted, ballots will be printed by the states, and citizens will vote.


Applying pre-determined party rules and procedures to unforeseen campaign circumstances is not what compromises elections. What compromises elections are deliberate attempts to keep voters from the polls, planting false or misleading information in the media or in campaign ads, or otherwise trying to manipulate the outcome of that election.


The notion of free and fair elections is core to the League’s purpose and values, and we will continue our focus on registering voters, getting out the vote, combatting misinformation and disinformation, and advocating for voters’ rights. Because in a free and fair election, that’s what really matters.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5

Do you already have a plan to vote? Voting by mail is convenient, safe, and available to all Illinois voters! Applications to vote by mail are available now.

IllinoisVoterGuide.org is LWVIL’s statewide voter resource. No matter where in the state you live, Illinois Voter Guide is available to:

  • Make a plan to vote 
  • Register to vote
  • Get to know the candidates
  • Watch recordings of League candidate forums
  • Find early voting locations, mail ballot dropboxes and election-day polling places 
  • Learn about becoming a poll worker


Illinois Voter Guide is a key way we carry out the League’s mission of “Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.” Please share it widely.

Opportunities for Members

State Assembly

Saturday, August 10, 8:30 am–12:30 pm, Virtual OR In-person (Roselle, IL)

League of Women Voters members are invited to join us for our 2024 State Assembly, when we will convene to coordinate our work for the coming year.


There are more than 40 local Leagues throughout Illinois, and we all need to be well-prepared for the November 2024 election and the challenges it presents to our democracy.


We will use this opportunity to connect and focus on crucial actions to take in the coming months. This is a hybrid event—join us virtually or in person.

ENERGIZE Leadership Training

Thursday, August 29, 6:00–8:00 pm, Virtual


Breakout Sessions

Saturday, September 7, 9:00–10:00 am, Virtual

This virtual training is open to all new and experienced leaders and members of Illinois local Leagues. Topics include board member responsibilities, voter services, advocacy, membership handbooks, yearly calendars, roster management, and new structures on the horizon. We work best as we learn and share with each other! 


Register to attend on August 29.


We also highly recommend attending the follow-up breakout sessions for specific leadership areas on September 7. Learn more.

Welcome to LWVIL's Summer Interns

We're so excited to benefit from the efforts of these talented students. Welcome to the team, Yuxin Feng, Olivia Fowler (not pictured), Ashton Handorf, Samantha Obel, Hitanshi Shah, Tess Wagner, and Fiona Wu!


If you are or know someone who is interested in interning with LWVIL, find us on Handshake or contact us at info@lwvil.org.

Thank you for supporting our work to defend democracy and empower voters.
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