LWV

Put Down Your Boxing Gloves When Talking Politics (LWV Greater Rockford)
2024-09-09 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Rockford University, 2401 E State St, Rockford, IL, United States
Join us for a panel to explore engaging in civil political discourse among family and friends!
The panelists will provide different points of view involving civil discourse, to include:
Catherine Forslund, Rockford University Professor of American History, offering historical context on contentious presidential campaigns.
Ron Lee, Rockford University Professor of Political Science, will share insights about how to have a political conversation in a civil, courteous manner.
Barb Laimins, chair of the League of Women Voters of Illinois (LWVIL) Mis/Disinformation Task Force, will share steps that will help you identify misinformation and disinformation.
Charles Stone, state coordinator of Braver Angels, will share experiences of bringing conservatives and liberals together in conversation about political issues.
This event is co-sponsored by LWV Greater Rockford, Woman Space, AAUW, AKA and Rockford University.

ENERGIZE Leadership Training: Breakout Sessions (LWVIL)
2024-09-07 09:00 - 10:00 | IL
ENERGIZE: Empowerment Network for Engaging and Revitalized Growth, Inspiration, and a Zest for Excellence
Following up on our August 29 training session https://tockify.com/lwvil/detail/615/1724972400000 , LWVIL is offering breakout sessions to focus on specific League leadership roles. This virtual event is open to all new and experienced leaders of Illinois local Leagues and MAS Units, as well as any interested members.
Register to attend. https://lwvil.app.neoncrm.com/eventReg.jsp?event=599&
Breakout Session Options:
* Executive Leadership Team (Presidents, co-presidents, vice presidents, secretaries)
* Communications
* Issues & Advocacy
* Membership
* Treasurers
* Voter Service

Eliminating the Electoral College (LWV McHenry County)
2024-09-03 19:00 - 20:30 | McHenry County College Luecht Conference Center,8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake, IL 60012, https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1SMU5SVHQTOKGsfSUy8vqw#/registration
The League of Women Voters of McHenry County, in partnership with the McHenry County College Office of Student Life, will present an overview of the Electoral College and what it means for the Presidential Election. Since 1970, the League of Women Voters has believed that the Electoral College should be abolished in favor of a direct popular vote. Join us to learn more!
This is a hybrid event. Register to attend via Zoom. https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1SMU5SVHQTOKGsfSUy8vqw#/registration You are welcome to attend this event in person at McHenry County College Luecht Conference Center, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake, IL 60012.

ENERGIZE Leadership Training (LWVIL)
2024-08-29 18:00 - 20:00 | IL
ENERGIZE: Empowerment Network for Engaging and Revitalized Growth, Inspiration, and a Zest for Excellence
LWVIL is re-introducing regular annual training for all local Leagues! This virtual event is open to all new and experienced leaders of Illinois local Leagues and MAS Units, as well as any interested members.
We will cover officer, board member, and committee expectations and responsibilities. Topics include voter services, advocacy, membership handbooks, yearly calendars, ChapterSpot, roster management, and new structures on the horizon. We work best as we learn and share with each other!
Register to attend. https://lwvil.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/lwvil/eventRegistration.jsp?event=589&
We will also offer follow-up breakout sessions for the following leadership areas on Saturday, September 7, from 9:00– 10:00 am (Virtual):
* Executive Leadership Team (Presidents, co-presidents, vice presidents, secretaries)
* Communications
* Issues & Advocacy
* Membership
* Treasurers
* Voter Service
Register to attend a breakout session. https://lwvil.app.neoncrm.com/eventReg.jsp?event=599&

SCOTUS Punts on Social Media Censorship: What’s Next? (LWVIL)
2024-08-27 19:00 - 20:00 | https://lwvil.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/lwvil/eventRegistration.jsp?event=594&
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 for a virtual program on Tuesday, August 27 to speak about the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent action on social media censorship.
NOTE: This program was rescheduled from its original date of Tuesday, August 20.
This program will not be recorded for later viewing—please join us to watch it live.
Register to attend. https://lwvil.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/lwvil/eventRegistration.jsp?event=594&
This program is part of a League event series where noted authorities speak on relevant topics leading up to the U.S. Presidential Election on Tuesday, November 5. Presented by LWVIL’s Misinformation and Disinformation Task Force https://www.lwvil.org/misdis-info , the series is part of an effort to provide tools and resources that educate voters.
About the Speaker
Jill Wine-Banks, a distinguished attorney and MSNBC Legal Analyst, is a prominent figure in political and legal discourse.
A celebrated author, Wine-Banks’s memoir, The Watergate Girl https://www.jillwinebanks.com/the-watergate-girl , has been optioned for film adaptation. Wine-Banks began her law career as the first woman to serve as an organized crime prosecutor at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. Four years later, she was hand-picked to be one of the three Assistant Watergate Special Prosecutors in the obstruction of justice trial against President Nixon’s top aides. Nixon was named an unindicted co-conspirator in that case, but the evidence presented led to Nixon’s resignation.
Among her many accomplishments, Wine-Banks was named General Counsel of the U.S. Army by President Carter where she supervised what was, in essence, the world’s largest law firm. She is particularly proud of her work with Congress to level the playing field for women in the army. In 2014, she was named by the Secretary of Defense to the Judicial Proceedings Panel’s Subcommittee on Sexual Assault in the military, where she served until 2017. She was the first woman to serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the American Bar Association.

A View from Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin on SaltWise and SaltSmart Practices (LWV Upper Mississippi River Region)
2024-08-15 19:00 - 20:30 | https://www.lwvumrr.org/blog
Salt is a big problem for streams, lakes and rivers in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. Salt breaks down into sodium and chloride, which moves freely through soil and builds up in water bodies. Chloride pollution is a serious threat in the Upper Mississippi River Basin – what can be done?
On August 15, the League of Women Voters of the Upper Mississippi River Region will host panelists from Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin talking about programs in these states to mitigate the problems. Join us via Zoom at 7:00 pm.
Learn more and register to attend. https://www.lwvumrr.org/blog

Hard Facts and Human Faces: Navigating U.S. Immigration in Our Communities
2024-06-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Geneva Public Library, 227 S. Seventh Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
The League of Women Voters of Elgin Area, in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Central Kane County and the League of Women Voters Aurora Area, invite residents of Kane County and the surrounding communities to a timely and informative presentation about U.S. immigration policy and the issues arising from an imperfect and overtaxed system. The program will be held at 7 pm on June 19th in person in the meeting room at the Geneva Public Library and live streamed on BATV.
The guest speaker for the program is Sara Dady. Ms. Dady is the principal at Dady Law Group LLC in Rockford and has been practicing family-based immigration law for over 17 years. She writes and presents frequently on immigration topics and advocates for comprehensive immigration reform. Ms. Dady will present on the complexities surrounding immigration in the U.S. – how our history has shaped our challenges, our system of laws, and our political environment. Ms. Dady will discuss the current situation and outline proposals for effectively responding with short-term relief and long-term resolution.
“Our local League of Women Voters organizations are excited to host this important presentation,” said Patti Lackman, Co-Vice President of the League of Women Voters of Central Kane County. “If we are going to solve the immigration crisis in our country and in our local communities, we need to put politics aside and do the work of learning about the issue – including how we got ourselves into this mess, and how we can work together to reform our immigration system while remaining true to our American ideals.”
The program is free and open to the public. The Geneva Public Library is located at 227 S. Seventh Street in Geneva, Illinois. It will take place in the meeting room on June 19th from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
The League of Women Voters will be accepting voluntary donations at the event for the following specific items:

✅disposable diapers,
✅feminine pads (not tampons),
✅bath tissue, and
✅facial tissue.

Donations for these items are welcome and entirely voluntary. Following the event, the League will pass along donated items to organizations, such as World Relief, who take pressure off our local communities by providing much-needed assistance to arriving families.
Anyone wishing to find out more about this program may obtain more information by calling Patti Lackman at 630-336-0531 or emailing info@lwvckc.org.
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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

March 19 Primary Election - Links to Additional Candidate Forums
2024-03-19 | IL
The LWV of Central Kane County conducted several candidate forums of interest to our area on February 20 and 22. Links to the recordings of those forums and/or candidate statements can be found on the BATV YouTube channel, and as follows: Kane County Recorder (Rogers statement), Illinois State Representative District 49 (Garcia statement), Congressional District 11 (Republican candidates) (Democrat Rashid statement).

February 29, 2024 LWVEA "Meet the Candidates" Night Cancelled
2024-02-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Gail Borden Public Library, 270 North Grove Avenue, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
The League of Women Voters of the Elgin Area invited candidates in contested races in the primary election to participate in a Meet the Candidates Night at 7:00 pm on February 29th, to be held at the Gail Borden Library. Races included Kane County Recorder, and Kane County Board districts 16 and 22. The event was cancelled due to insufficient candidate response. LWV policy prohibits events where only one candidate for office participates.

Candidate Forum for Illinois House District 49 and Kane County Recorder and Board Seats
2024-02-20 18:30 - 21:00 | Batavia City Hall, 100 N. Island Avenue, Batavia, IL, United States
On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, the Leagues of Women Voters of the Aurora Area, Central Kane County, and Elgin Area will co-host a hybrid forum for the 2024 General Primary candidates in contested races for Kane County Recorder, Kane County Board Districts 12 and 14, and for Illinois State Rep District 49. The forum will be held at 6:30pm in person at Batavia City Hall, 100 N. Island Avenue, Batavia. It will also be live streamed and available for later viewing on the BATV YouTube Channel. Following the event, a recording of the forum will be posted to the websites of the IL Voter Guide (https://illinoisvoterguide.org/) as well as the websites of the League organizations sponsoring the forum (the League of Women Voters of the Aurora Area https://my.lwv.org/illinois/aurora-area, the League of Women Voters of Central Kane County https://my.lwv.org/illinois/central-kane-county, and the League of Women Voters of the Elgin Area https://lwvelginarea.org/).
The forum will be divided into four segments, each lasting approximately 30 minutes. The Democratic Kane County Recorder candidates will be first, followed by County Board 12 & 14, and concluding with the Republican Illinois House District 49 candidates.
During the appropriate segment, each candidate is granted one minute for an opening statement. Each candidate will then have an opportunity to provide one-minute answers to questions submitted in advance or asked by the viewing audience. Audience questions will be pre-screened by a team of League members for appropriateness prior to asking. At the end of each segment, the candidates will have up to one minute each for a closing statement.
According to Patti Lackman, Voter Service Chair of the LWV of Central Kane County, “The League of Women Voters has a long history of conducting candidate forums and is widely considered to be one of the most capable non-partisan organizations in this regard. We are excited to provide this opportunity to the voters of Kane County and District 49 to hear from these candidates in a live forum. The League of Women Voters is completely non-partisan and never sponsors or endorses candidates. We hope that all the invited candidates will be present for this important event.”
Invitations to participate in the forum were extended to the following candidates running in contested races: Aris Garcia and Hannah Billingsley are vying for the Republican nomination for Illinois House District 49 (the Democrat in District 49 – Maura Hirschauer is running unopposed). Marisela Villegas and Brenda Rodgers are competing for the Democratic nomination for the office of Kane County Recorder; Republicans Bill Roth and Michelle Geen are competing for County Board District 12, and Republicans Jonathan Gripe and Mark Davoust are competing for County Board District 14.
Here are some important dates to know for the upcoming March 19, 2024 General Primary Election:

February 8 – March 18, 2024: Early voting at Kane County Elections office and Aurora satellite.
March 4 – March 18, 2024: Early voting at all Kane County early voting polling locations.
February 20, 2024: Last day to register to vote.
February 21 – March 18, 2024: Grace period registration and voting at Kane County Elections office and Aurora Satellite.
March 19, 2024: Election Day! Polls open from 6 am to 7 pm.

Nonpartisan information about voting in Illinois can be found at https://illinoisvoterguide.org/. Anyone wishing to find out more about this candidate forum or any other event hosted by the League of Women Voters of Central Kane County may obtain more information by emailing info@lwvckc.org.
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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Gail Borden Library Trustees - Meet the Candidates Night
2023-03-23 18:30 - 21:00 | Gail Borden Public Library – Elgin Room, 270 N Grove Ave., Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
Meet the candidates running for Gail Borden Library Trustees in the April 2023 Consolidated Election.
The League of Women Voters of the Elgin Area will host a series of Meet the Candidates Nights for local candidates in contested races. The candidates will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and speak briefly on selected topics related to policy and governance of their respective board of trustees. No questions will be taken from the audience.

Village of West Dundee Trustees - Meet the Candidates Night
2023-03-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Village Hall, 102 South Second St., West Dundee, IL 60118
Meet the candidates running for West Dundee Trustees in the April 2023 Consolidated Election.
The League of Women Voters of the Elgin Area will host a series of Meet the Candidates Nights for local candidates in contested races. The candidates will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and speak briefly on selected topics related to policy and governance of their respective board of trustees. No questions will be taken from the audience.

School District 300 Board - Meet the Candidates Night
2023-03-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Rakow Adult Activities Center, 665 Barrington Ave, Carpentersville, IL, United States
Meet the candidates running for School District 300 Board in the April 2023 Consolidated Election.
The League of Women Voters of the Elgin Area will host a series of Meet the Candidates Nights for local candidates in contested races. The candidates will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and speak briefly on selected topics related to policy and governance of their respective board of trustees. No questions will be taken from the audience.

Village of Gilberts Trustees - Meet the Candidates Night - Cancelled
2023-03-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Eagle’s Club, 325 Raymond St, Gilberts, IL, 60136, United States
This event has been cancelled.

Village of East Dundee Trustees - Meet the Candidates Night
2023-03-07 19:00 - 21:00 | East Dundee Police Department – 2nd Floor Meeting Room, 115 E 3rd St., East Dundee, IL, 60118
Meet the candidates running for Village of East Dundee Trustees in the April 2023 Consolidated Election.
The League of Women Voters of the Elgin Area will host a series of Meet the Candidates Nights for local candidates in contested races. The candidates will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and speak briefly on selected topics related to policy and governance of their respective board of trustees. No questions will be taken from the audience.

Elgin Community College and U-46 - Meet the Candidates Night
2023-03-02 18:00 - 21:00 | Gail Borden Public Library, 270 North Grove Avenue, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
Meet the candidates running for Elgin Community College Trustee and School District U-46 Board in the April 2023 Consolidated Election.
The League of Women Voters of the Elgin Area will host a series of Meet the Candidates Nights for local candidates in contested races. The candidates will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and speak briefly on selected topics related to policy and governance of their respective board of trustees. No questions will be taken from the audience.

Elgin Mayor and City Council - Meet the Candidates Night
2023-02-28 18:00 - 21:00 | Gail Borden Public Library, 270 North Grove Avenue, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
Meet the candidates running for Elgin Mayor and City Council in the April 2023 Consolidated Election.
The League of Women Voters of the Elgin Area will host a series of Meet the Candidates Nights for local candidates in contested races. The candidates will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and speak briefly on selected topics related to policy and governance of their respective board of trustees. No questions will be taken from the audience.

Cancelled - Candidate Forum - Kane County Sheriff
2022-10-13 19:00 | Rakow Senior Center, Dundee Township Park District,, 665 Barrington Ave., , Carpentersville, IL, 60110, United States
This forum has been cancelled due to the withdrawal of candidate Bodin.
The LWV of the Elgin Area Voter Services Committee cordially invites you to participate in a moderated Candidate Forum for the candidates running in the General Election.
Hear from Candidates running for Kane County Sheriff

Ron Hain (D)
Jeffrey M. Bodin (R)

Campaign Policy
Elections and voting are core concerns for the League of Women Voters. Year in and year out, Leagues are committed to providing fact-based information about issues and the positions candidates take on those issues to help voters make their own decisions and participate in the process.
The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes candidates for office or political parties. Any use of the League of Women Voters name in campaign advertising or literature has not been authorized by the League

Candidate Forum - Kane County Board District 17
2022-10-06 19:00 | Gail Borden Public Library, 270 North Grove Avenue, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
The LWV of the Elgin Area Voter Services Committee cordially invites you to participate in a moderated Candidate Forum for the candidates running in the General Election.
Hear from Candidates running for Kane County Board District 17

Deborah Allan (D)
John Hahn (R)

The following 2022 General Election Candidates, in contested races, were invited to participate in LWVEA forums to be recorded and shared online during October 2022.
Please check the links below, or the Voter Guide, which has additional information and videos and may be updated with content that came in after this event was finalized.
Illinois Senate, District 25
No forum

Karina Villa (D)

Heather Brown (R) (no response to invitation)

Illinois Representative, District 43
Forum October 4th

Anna Moeller (D)
Angela Hallock Nowak (R)

Illinois Representative, District 65
No forum

Linda R. Robertson (D)
Dan Ugaste (R) (no response to invitation)

Illinois Representative, District 66
No forum

Suzanne M. Ness (D)
Connie Cain (R) (unwilling to participate)

Kane County Clerk
No forum

Nicolas G. “Nico” Jimenez (D) (no response to invitation)
John A. “Jack” Cunningham (R) (no response to invitation)

Kane County Sheriff
Forum October 13th

Ron Hain (D)
Jeffrey M. Bodin (R)

Kane County Treasurer
No forum

Jeffrey L. Pripusich (D) (no response to invitation)
Chris Lauzen (R) (unable to attend)

Kane County Board District 16
No forum

Ted Penesis (D)
Michael J. Kenyon (R) (no response to invitation)

Kane County Board District 17
Forum October 6

Deborah Allan (D)
John Hahn (R)

Kane County Board District 19
Zoom forum pending

Mohammad “Mo” Iqbal (D) (unable to attend on invitation date)
Cody Holt (R)

Kane County Board District 20
No forum

Cherryl Fritz Strathmann (D)
Lucio Estrada (R) (no response to invitation)

Kane County Board District 21
Forum pending

Courtney Boe (D)
Clifford “Cliff” Surges (R) (pending response)

Kane County Board District 22
No forum

Verner (Vern) Tepe (D)
Jeffrey A. Meyer (R) (no response to invitation)

Kane County Board District 23
No forum

Christopher W. Kious (D)
Gregory Buck (R) (no response to invitation)

Kane County Board District 24
No forum

Jarett Sanchez (D)
Charles R. Myers (R) (no response to invitation)

The General Election is November 8, 2022. Early voting is available September 29th thru November 7th.
Vote by Mail ballots can be requested beginning August 10, 2022. Election officials will issue Vote by Mail Ballots after September 29th. Additional information can be found at: https://illinoisvoterguide.org/
Campaign Policy
Elections and voting are core concerns for the League of Women Voters. Year in and year out, Leagues are committed to providing fact-based information about issues and the positions candidates take on those issues to help voters make their own decisions and participate in the process.
The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes candidates for office or political parties. Any use of the League of Women Voters name in campaign advertising or literature has not been authorized by the League

Candidate Forum - Illinois Representative, District 43
2022-10-04 19:00 | Gail Borden Public Library, 270 North Grove Avenue, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
The LWV of the Elgin Area Voter Services Committee cordially invites you to participate in a moderated Candidate Forum for the candidates running in the General Election.
Hear from Candidates running for the Illinois General Assembly: Illinois Representative, District 43

Anna Moeller (D)
Angela Hallock Nowak (R)

The following 2022 General Election Candidates, in contested races, were invited to participate in LWVEA forums to be recorded and shared online during October 2022.
Please check the links below, or the Voter Guide, which has additional information and videos and may be updated with content that came in after this event was finalized.
Illinois Senate, District 25
No forum

Karina Villa (D)

Heather Brown (R) (no response to invitation)

Illinois Representative, District 43
Forum October 4th

Anna Moeller (D)
Angela Hallock Nowak (R)

Illinois Representative, District 65
No forum

Linda R. Robertson (D)
Dan Ugaste (R) (no response to invitation)

Illinois Representative, District 66
No forum

Suzanne M. Ness (D)
Connie Cain (R) (unwilling to participate)

Kane County Clerk
No forum

Nicolas G. “Nico” Jimenez (D) (no response to invitation)
John A. “Jack” Cunningham (R) (no response to invitation)

Kane County Sheriff
Forum October 13th

Ron Hain (D)
Jeffrey M. Bodin (R)

Kane County Treasurer
No forum

Jeffrey L. Pripusich (D) (no response to invitation)
Chris Lauzen (R) (unable to attend)

Kane County Board District 16
No forum

Ted Penesis (D)
Michael J. Kenyon (R) (no response to invitation)

Kane County Board District 17
Forum October 6

Deborah Allan (D)
John Hahn (R)

Kane County Board District 19
Zoom forum pending

Mohammad “Mo” Iqbal (D) (unable to attend on invitation date)
Cody Holt (R)

Kane County Board District 20
No forum

Cherryl Fritz Strathmann (D)
Lucio Estrada (R) (no response to invitation)

Kane County Board District 21
Forum pending

Courtney Boe (D)
Clifford “Cliff” Surges (R) (pending response)

Kane County Board District 22
No forum

Verner (Vern) Tepe (D)
Jeffrey A. Meyer (R) (no response to invitation)

Kane County Board District 23
No forum

Christopher W. Kious (D)
Gregory Buck (R) (no response to invitation)

Kane County Board District 24
No forum

Jarett Sanchez (D)
Charles R. Myers (R) (no response to invitation)

The General Election is November 8, 2022. Early voting is available September 29th thru November 7th.
Vote by Mail ballots can be requested beginning August 10, 2022. Election officials will issue Vote by Mail Ballots after September 29th. Additional information can be found at: https://illinoisvoterguide.org/
Campaign Policy
Elections and voting are core concerns for the League of Women Voters. Year in and year out, Leagues are committed to providing fact-based information about issues and the positions candidates take on those issues to help voters make their own decisions and participate in the process.
The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes candidates for office or political parties. Any use of the League of Women Voters name in campaign advertising or literature has not been authorized by the League

Candidate Forum - Democratic Primary for Kane County Board District 17
2022-06-07 18:30 - 21:00 | Gail Borden Public Library, 270 North Grove Avenue, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
Candidates: Deborah Allan and Franklin Ramirez
Candidates who are selected by voters in the June 28 General Primary will appear on the General Election ballot on Nov. 8, 2022.

Candidate Forum - Democratic Primary for U.S. Congressional Representative in the 8th District
2022-06-02 18:30 - 21:00 | Gail Borden Public Library, 270 North Grove Avenue, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
This will be broadcast to facebook.com/lwvelginarea once the forum begins.
Six Illinois LWV organizations will jointly host a forum on June 2, 2022, for Junaid Ahmed and Raja Krishnamoorthi, the two candidates running in the June 28 Democratic Primary for the U.S. Congress in the 8th District. The forum will be held at 6:30 pm at the Gail Borden Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin. The event will be open to the public and live-streamed and recorded for later viewing. For additional information, check the LWVEA website https://www.lwvelginarea.org/ or the Gail Borden Library website https://www.gailborden.info/.
Carol Grom, Voter Service Chair of the LWV of the Elgin Area, explained, “The forum on June 2nd is for the Democratic Primary candidates only. Of the five Republican Primary candidates invited to participate in a forum, only one, Phillip Owen Wood, committed to attend, so the Republican forum was canceled. Chris Dargis declined the invitation due to a scheduling conflict, and the other three, Chad Koppie, Karen Kolodjiez, and Peter Kopsaftis did not respond at all. The winners of the two Primaries on June 28th will face each other in the November 8th General Election.
Grom added, “The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, issue-oriented organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. As part of our Voter Education mission, we sponsor forums prior to every election so that candidates seeking to serve the citizens of our communities may present their qualifications and views directly to the voters in an open, unbiased setting. The LWV does not support or endorse candidates.
Here are some important dates to know for the upcoming 2022 General Primary:

May 12, 2022: Vote by mail applications accepted
June 12, 2022: Last day to register online.
June 13, 2022: Early voting begins at permanent polling places
June 23, 2022: Last day to request a vote by mail application.
June 28, 2022: General Primary Election Day

Nonpartisan information about voting in Illinois can be found at https://illinoisvoterguide.org/, Anyone wishing to find out more about this candidate forum may obtain more information by emailing forums@lwvelginarea.org. Information about other forums hosted by the League of Women Voters will be available on each League’s website.
Jointly hosted by
LWV of Arlington Heights/Mt. Prospect/Buffalo Grove
LWV of Central Kane County
LWV of the Elgin Area
LWV of Glen Ellyn
LWV of Palatine
LWV of Roselle-Bloomingdale

Candidate Forum - Republican Primary for Illinois Representative District 66
2022-05-31 19:00 - 21:00 | Rakow Adult Activities Center, 665 Barrington Ave, Carpentersville, IL, United States
Candidates: Connie Cain and Arin Thrower
Candidates who are selected by voters in the June 28 General Primary will appear on the General Election ballot on Nov. 8, 2022.

Start In Your Yard
2022-03-09 19:00 - 20:00 | IL
Start In Your Yard is a local movement initiated by members of Wild Ones. We understand that we have become disconnected from the natural world — and our place in it — with disastrous consequences. Recognizing that we are part of a great web, we are moved to become cooperative partners and share the land where we live.
The call to address climate change often recounts the need to capture carbon, build and improve soil, slow the loss of species, create habitat, use naturally renewable resources, restore aquafers, and filter pollutants. These are often regarded as complex, industrial, agricultural and commercial, projects that might require governmental action and/or assistance. But…
In his books Bringing Nature Home and Nature’s Best Hope, Doug Tallamy, author, entomologist, and researcher, suggests that in the past we homeowners have ignored the important ecological role our gardens could play in the landscape. Considering only appearance, we have converted millions of acres of working plant communities into ecologically useless lawns. Now that we face the crises listed above, we must reconsider how we use our land.
Dr. Tallamy proposes that we think differently about the land we live on. He teaches that what we plant changes the way we impact life around us; what we do makes a difference to other beings — plants, animals, insects, birds, microorganisms, and us – because we are part of an interwoven system of life. We steward the land that needs to be a home to Life.
To begin, we can replace some of the endless lawns with native grasses, flowers, trees, and shrubs. We don’t need to wait for governmental action. As homeowners, we are empowered. We can step outside today and begin making changes to provide respite for the biodiversity we are displacing. Perhaps this will tide them over while we, as a species, find our balance as part of Nature.
We’d like to expand upon these ideas and talk about what is taking place in the Elgin area.
The talk will be followed by a Q&A.
League members are invited to register for this Zoom presentation.
Everyone is invited to watch live on YouTube.

Elgin Celebrates International Women's Day
2022-03-06 13:30 | Gail Borden Public Library, 270 North Grove Avenue, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
Guest speakers and dramatic vignettes will highlight the accomplishments of women in Elgin and around the world. Speakers will include Laura Robertson, author of Forty Dollars and a Dream, Ramona “Monie” Burns, Social Activist/Tribal member of the Paiute Nation, LeJewel K. Crigler, Community Activist, Tina Viglucci, Gail Borden Library Hispanic Services Director, and Jennifer Ford, League of Women Voters of the Elgin Area President.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls 2 “About the Dark”
2022-02-09 19:00 - 20:00 | IL
Please join us as we welcome Chelsea Trillo, program coordinator with Sovereign Bodies Institute, and Jaclyn Bissonette. Sovereign Bodies Institute (SBI) builds on Indigenous traditions of data gathering and knowledge transfer to create, disseminate, and put into action research on gender and sexual violence against Indigenous people.
SBI has developed and maintains a database that logs cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and two-spirit people, from 1900 to the present.
The database works to address the chronic lack of data on this violence by maintaining a comprehensive resource to support those in their work towards justice for our stolen sisters.
The talk will be followed by a Q&A.
League members are invited to register for this Zoom presentation.
Everyone is invited to watch live on YouTube.
Sponsored by LWVEA, Long Red Line, and AAUW Elgin Area (IL) Branch.
Native American women across the country are being murdered and sexually assaulted on reservations and nearby towns at far higher rates than other American women. Their assailants are often white and other non-Native American men outside the jurisdiction of tribal law enforcement.
In some U.S. counties composed primarily of Native American lands, murder rates of Native American women are up to 10 times higher than the national average for all races, according to a study for the U.S. Department of Justice by sociologists at the University of Delaware and University of North Carolina, Wilmington.
Other possible victims have never been found. As of 2016, there were 5,712 cases of missing Native American women reported to the National Crime Information Center.
“The numbers are likely much higher because cases are often under-reported and data isn’t officially collected,” said the U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, a Democrat from North Dakota, who has introduced legislation to improve how law enforcement keeps track of missing and murdered indigenous women.”

Source: August 27, 2018 – Murdered and missing Native American women challenge police and courts, by Garet Bleir, Anya Zoledziowski and News21 Staff

Monthly Discussion: Human Trafficking 101
2022-01-12 19:00 - 20:30 | IL
January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
To date, Human Trafficking is one of the globe’s 2nd largest criminal enterprises. Are you looking to learn more about this problem and what you can do to ensure your family, friends, and loved ones aren’t tragically affected by it? Join us and learn how you can keep your loved ones safe.
Human trafficking is worldwide, from big cities to rural areas and everywhere in between. Join Heidi Provo, National Head of Moms Against Trafficking, for this Human Trafficking 101 training. This free event will give you insight into human trafficking and how to combat it. Heidi is an advocate for Survivors of HT and their families. She will share with you her family’s experience with Human Trafficking. She will also share with you how she and the Rahab’s Daughters team support Survivors. You will also learn what you can do to make a positive impact.
Heidi ProvoNational Head of Moms Against Trafficking, a Ministry of Rahab’s Daughters
The presentation will be approximately one hour, followed by a Q&A.
League members are invited to participate in this Zoom presentation.
Everyone is invited to watch live on YouTube.
Sponsored by LWVEA, Long Red Line, and AAUW Elgin Area (IL) Branch.

Day of Action & Remembrance
2022-01-06 | IL
It’s been nearly one year since armed right-wing militants attacked our Capitol and tried to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
Since that time the same extremist politicians who incited the attack have tried to block the investigation into the violence, state legislators have passed one anti-voter bill after another, local election officials have faced death threats, and the potential for future election sabotage has only grown.
We must not forget what happened — and we must demand action from our leaders to prevent another attack on our democracy.
That’s why LWV is organizing candlelight vigils across the country on Thursday, January 6, to lift up our voices and say: We are One America. This can never happen again. The Senate must act to pass legislation immediately to protect our democracy.
No matter our color, background, or party, most of us believe that people who betray our nation and endanger our lives have no business governing in our name. That’s why we must stand together in this moment.
In 2020, we turned out in record numbers, made sure our votes were counted, and that the will of the people prevailed. Throughout 2021, we’ve organized to protect the freedom to vote, stop partisan gerrymandering, and prevent election sabotage. It’s been a long, hard fight, and we’re closer to the finish line now than we’ve ever been.
But we can’t stop now — we need to keep up the momentum for our freedom to vote. Together with partners nationwide, the League of Women Voters is acknowledging the anniversary of the deadly attack on our Capitol.
? Use the graphics at LWVIL website to post on social media.
? Print this sign and put it in your window—then ask your neighbors to do the same. (Print in black & white.)
? Light a candle on your porch or in your window, and ask your neighbors to follow suit.
? Participate in a candlelight remembrance ceremony on Thursday, January 6. Find one near you.
Make sure everyone understands that our democracy is under attack, and it is up to every one of us to rise to its defense.

Women On The Brink: Public Forum Addressing Elgin's Children in Poverty
2021-10-19 18:30 - 20:00 | Gail Borden Public Library, 270 North Grove Avenue, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
Join Women On The Brink: Elgin Area and the YWCA Elgin on Tuesday, October 19th from 6:30 – 8 pm for a forum discussing Elgin’s Children in Poverty: Awareness and Advocacy.
During this event, local leaders and experts will discuss the effects of poverty on women and its impact on our community, especially children.

Guest speakers include:

David Kaptain, Mayor of Elgin
Pat Chamberlain
Mitch Lifson, Voices For Illinois Children
Steve Moon, Grand Victoria Foundation

Panelists include:

Nancy Coleman, Alignment Collaborative for Education
Lea Conrad, Gretchen S. Vapnar Community Crisis Center
Kristi Dahlquist, One Hope United
Deb Dempsey, Kane County Regional Office of Education
Corey Dixon, Elgin City Council and HHS
Pilar Garcia, More at 4
Karla Jimenez, School District U46
Amber Peters, Elgin Partnership for Early Learning
India Smith, YWCA
Kris Young, YWCA

Register by visiting gailborden.info/register, calling 847-429-4597, or in-person at the Gail Borden registration desk.

Women On The Brink is an organization that began as a program of the League of Women Voters of the Elgin Area.

Monthly Discussion: Gun Violence Prevention
2021-10-13 19:00 - 20:00 | IL
Since 1990, the League of Women Voters of the United States has held that the proliferation of handguns and semi-automatic assault weapons in the United States is a major health and safety threat to its citizens.
As an organization, we’ve advocated protecting the health and safety of citizens through limiting the accessibility and regulating the ownership of handguns and semi-automatic weapons.
Learn about this and the other nuances of the position from Jim McGrath, League of Women Voters of Illinois Gun Violence Issues Specialist. Jim will also discuss the bills that were proposed in Springfield this last spring and the two that were passed.
The presentation will be followed by a Q&A.
League members are invited to participate in this Zoom presentation. Check your inbox for the registration link.
Everyone is invited to watch live on YouTube.
