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Climate and Equitable Jobs Act Signed
sweeping energy legislation becomes lawOn September 15th, Governor Pritzker signed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act into law. This legislation gives Illinois the strongest and most equitable clean energy standards in the nation. Click the link below for a celebratory deep dive into the bill's content and legislative process, written by a staff writer for Vox.
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US Senate Voting Rights Bill
league supports the freedom to vote actOn September 14th, the US Senate introduced a new voting rights bill, the Freedom to Vote Act. It is a successor to the previously popular For the People Act, which passed in the House last March but failed to pass in the Senate last June. At its core, the Freedom to Vote Act is a transformative bill that would counter the recent surge of voting restrictions passed in several states. Recognizing that national voting and election laws serve to protect every vote, the LWV wholeheartedly supports this legislation. Click the link below for the League response from LWVUS CEO Virginia Kase Solomon.
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Get #VoteReady
national voter registration day is tuesdayDid you know? The fourth Tuesday of September is widely known as National Voter Registration Day (NVRD). This year, NVRD takes place on September 28th and LWV-Wilmette looks forward to once again helping voters get #VoteReady. If you need to register to vote or update your registration, click the link below.
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Wednesday, September 22nd at 11:00 a.m.
lwv-w & wilmette public library book discussionBe sure to read Heather McGhee’s book, The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together, which will be the subject of our next book discussion this Wednesday. Delving into economic and sociological research to uncover the irrefutable story of racism’s costs, McGhee tells the humble stories of people yearning to be a part of a better America. Visit the Wilmette Public Library's Book Club section to find available copies of this book.
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CEJA Combats the Climate Crisis
Leaders of the Illinois General Assembly and the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC) reintroduced the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) on 2/9/21, intending to pass the comprehensive legislation in the General Assembly by May 2021. Designed to propel Illinois forward to a renewable energy future, the League of Women Voters of Wilmette supports CEJA. Considered part of a bold recovery effort to build a stronger economy and healthier communities, CEJA will boost clean energy, create new jobs, reduce utility bills and improve public health. We continue to collaborate with clean energy advocates across Illinois for passage of this important legislation. |
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Defending Democracy: 4-Pronged Approach
NEW Lwv-us initiative UNVEILEDThe LWV-US has officially launched a new programmatic focus, entitled Women Power Democracy. Designed to advance a stronger, more representative American democracy, it is a 4-pronged approach to tackle systemic challenges to voting rights through advocacy, litigation, and organizing. The four elements of this initiative include: Democracy Truth Project, Expand the Franchise, Democracy Defense Fund, and People Powered Fair Maps™. These League-led programs will build more trust in our elections, grow our electorate with equity, create fairness for voter access, and ensure community districting truly reflects our population. Click on the link below to learn more.
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Honoring the Fallen
we will never forgetSeptember 11th marks the 20th Anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and United Flight 93. It is a day for us to remember the lives of all those who perished.
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Phone Bank Sessions - August 30th - 31st
support illinois energy billWord is that the IL House and Senate will be back in session at the end of August to address an energy bill, among other things. Our lawmakers need to hear from constituents that clean, renewable energy is a MUST. To facilitate that, the Sierra Club is hosting six virtual phone bank sessions this Monday and Tuesday for Illinoisans to voice support for legislation. With July being the hottest month ever recorded on Earth, it is time for doing what science tells us is necessary to preserve a livable planet. Please register below.
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Join/Renew Membership Today
make a difference nowOur members make a difference by serving as community leaders, using their experience to create positive, lasting change. They enjoy access to a multitude of programs, publications and discussions, at the local, state and national level. They have the opportunity to study meaningful issues and shape public policy, advocating across many branches of government. Are you 16 years of age or older? Do you believe that informed citizens are the key to effective democratic government? If yes, we invite you to join our League. And if you are already an existing member, please renew your membership now.
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Anniversary of 19th Amendment Certification - August 26th
celebrating women's equality dayCommemorating the 1920 adoption of the 19th Amendment, which prohibits denial of the right to vote based on sex, the League celebrates Women's Equality Day on August 26th. This year, the LWV has also deemed this to be a call-to-action day. With persistent discrimination and voting rights under attack all across the country, it is imperative to continue to fight for the equality that this day promises, calling on Congress to guarantee true equality with the adoption of the Equal Rights Amendment as well as pass federal legislation to protect the freedom to vote, namely the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Learn more about this from LWV President, Dr. Deborah Turner.
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Library Closing for Renovations - August 15th-31st
September book available nowBe sure to read Heather McGhee’s book, The Sum of Us, which will be the subject of our next book discussion on September 22nd. Delving into economic and sociological research to uncover the irrefutable story of racism’s costs, McGhee tells the humble stories of people yearning to be a part of a better America. With copies of this book already available at the Wilmette Public Library in the Book Club section, you can check it out in person by August 14th, before the library closes for renovations, or you can use the new hold system that enables patrons to retrieve a book from another local library from August 4th-September 3rd. For details on event registration and library closure services, click the links below.
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Summary of May 2021 Meetings
catch up on local governmentOur volunteers observe and report on local government board and committee meetings. See what has been going on in local government meetings on our Observer Corps page. This month's update covers meetings conducted in May 2021.
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Drive Clean Webinar - July 14th
benefits of electric vehiclesThinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle (EV)? Join the LWV-California and the nonprofit Drive Clean for an educational and inspirational webinar to promote the importance of improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions. Drive Clean with the League will feature EV experts, EV owners and clean air enthusiasts, who will share the latest trends, vehicles, costs and considerations when moving to electric. This FREE one-hour Zoom event is offered on July 14th at 8 p.m. (CST). Invite your friends and register now at the link below.
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Our Democracy Story - Virtual Workshop, July 14th
protect the freedom to voteTo pass the For the People Act (HR1/S1), the boldest and most sweeping bill in decades to protect the freedom to vote, it is crucial that we build as much excitement and pressure as possible! Join Declaration for American Democracy (DFAD) and the League of Women Voters for a virtual training session on July 14th at 6 p.m. In this workshop, “Our Democracy Story,” you will hear powerful stories that illustrate why we need the For the People Act as well as learn to tell democracy stories of your own to urge others to act at this critical time. Register at the link below.
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Independence Day - July 4th
celebrating the declaration of independenceHappy 4th of July from the League of Women Voters of Wilmette! We celebrate this day with a firm and sustained commitment to equitable democracy and freedom for all Americans.
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Human Relations Commission Event - June 27th
residents are invited to meet the commissionersThe new Human Relations Commission is hosting a Listening Session on Sunday, June 27th from 1 - 3 p.m., outside on the Village Hall Green, located at 1200 Wilmette Avenue. The meeting is an opportunity for the community to meet the commissioners and engage in conversation about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Village of Wilmette. All residents are welcome!
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Affordable Housing in Wilmette
applications are due fridayThe leasing process for Cleland Place is officially open. Housing Opportunity Development Corporation (HODC) will have 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments available in Wilmette by August 2021. Applications are being accepted now for low-income households at this brand new development, which is located at 1925 Wilmette Avenue. Information regarding applications, which are due by 5pm on 6/25, can be found at the link below.
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Wednesday, June 23rd at 11:00 a.m.
Lwv-W & Wilmette public library book discussionJoin us this Wednesday at 11 a.m. to discuss Useful Delusions: The Power & Paradox of the Self-Deceiving Brain by Shankar Vedantam and Bill Mesler. It offers a thought-provoking look at the role of self-deception in human flourishing. Filled with powerful personal stories and drawing on new insights in psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy, this book offers a fascinating tour of what it really means to be human. (From the publisher)
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Friendbank - Wednesday, June 23rd at 3:30 p.m.
protect the freedom to voteJoin us on June 23rd at 3:30 p.m. to advocate for the passage of S.1, the For the People Act. This federal legislation is the most expansive democracy reform legislation we have seen since the Voting Rights Act. This bill will protect voting rights, eliminate dark money in our elections, restore transparency and accountability in our government, and curb partisan and racial gerrymandering.
Click on the link below to register. |
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Speaker Series and Community Gathering
more opportunities for community learningThe League is pleased to co-sponsor a community event hosted by Healing Everyday Racism in Our Schools (HEROS). Join HEROS for the last of its 4-week "Before the Gathering" virtual speaker series, designed to raise awareness of the history of race in our neighborhoods. This last Zoom will be held on June 16th, from 7 - 8 p.m. and will focus on Community Action, discussing how our township can become more welcoming and inclusive. The series will then culminate with a community gathering at the Winnetka Village Green on Juneteenth (Saturday, June 19th) from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Click the link below for more information and to register for the Speaker Series.
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Environmental Action Needed
illinois senate vote this weekThis week, Illinois legislators will be back in Springfield to vote on a historic clean energy bill that tackles both climate and equity. It is the last chance to get this passed during this session. Show the senators how important it is to you to put Illinois on a path to a 100% clean energy future! How? Participate in a Sierra Club phone bank on Monday. Join the Rally for a Fossil Free Future with the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. in Springfield. Click on the links below to register for these events.
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Acknowledge Our Past, Know Our History
learn about the history of racism in wilmetteOn Thursday, May 20th, the LWV-Wilmette presented “Racism in Wilmette: A Visual History”, a virtual program with the Wilmette Historical Museum exploring their online exhibit about racism in our village. If you missed the event, please click below to view the recording.
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Annual Meeting Recap
ready for a new yearLWV-Wilmette had its annual meeting on May 26th. We celebrated a tremendous year of accomplishments, including increased voter turnout and significant advocacy efforts. We planned for the upcoming year, approving the new board, budget, revised bylaws and local program plan. Thank you to our retiring board members: Kimberly Alcantara, Katherine Byrnes, Kate Gjaja, Nancy Hoying, Patience Kramer, Trish Nealon and Mary Smoley. Welcome new board members: Margo Chambers, Gail Schnitzer Eisenberg, Shannon Hiltabrand, Laurie Leibowitz, Rebecca Lieber and Carol Shukur. Last but not least, congratulations to this year’s winners of the LWV-Wilmette Scholarship: Maya Crystal and Catherine Richards!
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Memorial Day - May 31
gone but never forgottenObserved on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day is a national holiday to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. There will be a Memorial Day Observance Ceremony hosted at the Village Hall Green on Monday, May 31st at 11 a.m. The event has been planned in partnership with members of American Legion Post 143 (Morton Grove & Wilmette). We encourage members of our community to come out and observe this important occasion
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Black Lives Matter
Remembering the life of George FloydOn the one year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd by former police officer Derek Chauvin, we mourn for Floyd's family and friends. We acknowledge the significant work still to be done in the fight for Black lives.
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May Is AAPI Heritage Month
celebrating AAPI cultures and heritageMay is Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage month. We recognize individuals of AAPI descent who are making a difference in Wilmette as elected officials, commission members, volunteer leaders and local government employees. Thank you for your service! Read more about AAPI Heritage Month here: https://asianpacificheritage.gov/
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Time for Environmental Justice
Speak up for cejaIt is time for Illinoisans from across the state to appeal to Governor Pritzker and members of the General Assembly to pass this critical climate and environmental justice legislation. (Learn about CEJA here) Help get the word out this month by participating in the Sierra Club’s weekday phone banks. Volunteers will call CEJA supporters from other districts, asking them to contact their own legislators in support of this bill. Click the link below to register for the phone bank.
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Wednesday, May 26th at 11:00 a.m.
LWV-W & WILMETTE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOK DISCUSSIONThis month, we will be discussing Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century by Jessica Bruder. Through her journey, the author tells a compelling, eye-opening tale of the dark underbelly of the American economy, namely the invisible casualties of the Great Recession, who have taken to the road by the tens of thousands in late-model RVs, travel trailers and vans. In a secondhand vehicle she christens “Van Halen,” Bruder hits the road to learn more about this growing community of nomads, largely transient older Americans who have found that social security comes up short. Register below to discuss this story of survival, sacrifice, resilience and creativity.
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Village Seeks Improved Compliance
Gas leaf blower ban begins on May 15Did you know that gas-powered leaf blowers are prohibited in Wilmette from May 15 - September 30? To improve compliance with this ordinance in 2021, the Village's newly-hired code enforcement officer will be issuing citations to offenders. When a company is cited, the homeowner will also be notified, to help increase awareness of the ordinance. If you hire a lawn care company, please remind them of the ordinance if they are not following it. Click below to find more useful information about the blowers and the ban.
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Say No To Private Mosquito Abatement Services
control mosquitoes safely and effectivelyWorried about mosquitoes this summer? Before you call a private company to treat mosquitoes in your yard, call the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District for FREE assessment and treatment! Their targeted approach is more effective than the "barrier spraying" done by private companies, with much lower collateral damage to the environment. Conservation scientists are so concerned about the likelihood of collateral damage and pesticide resistance from commercial barrier spraying that legislation has been introduced to provide oversight of commercial companies and require common-sense measures such as evidence-based spraying and notification of neighbors. Click below to learn more about what you can do.
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Election Results Have Been Certified
newly elected officials ready to serveWith the election results officially certified, our newly elected officials are being sworn in! Last week, all four Wilmette District 39 Board members took their oath of office. Others are scheduled as follows:
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Human Relations Commission
upcoming AAPI listening sessionsWith acts of racism against Asian Americans on the rise, the Village's Human Relations Commission is planning to conduct its first community discussion with a focus on the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, to listen to their concerns and identify ways the Wilmette community can support them in a meaningful and impactful way. Click below for more information on the Human Relations Commission.
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Event Recording Available!
climate change is on the ballotAn advisory referendum question about a carbon fee and dividend policy is on the New Trier Township ballot this spring. On March 10 at 7 pm, a representative from the Citizens' Climate Lobby joined the LWV-Wilmette and the Wilmette Public Library to share information about what it means and why it matters. Check out the recording to learn more.
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Hear From The Candidates
Watch our candidate forum recordingsTo help the community learn about candidates and issues in our April 6th local elections, the LWV-Wilmette partnered with the Wilmette Public Library to hold virtual candidate forums on March 13th and March 20th.
If you were unable to attend, recordings for each race are now available for viewing. Click below to find links on our Candidate Forum page. |
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Get To Know The Candidates
2021 Online voter guide now availableIn our ongoing commitment to promote democracy and inform Wilmette voters, the League has prepared an online Voter Guide for the April 6th municipal election. For each race, the candidates on the ballot were offered the opportunity to answer a common set of questions about priorities and issues in this election. Familiarize yourself with the candidates and download our sample Wilmette ballot to get ready to cast your vote!
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Vote Today In Local Elections
time to vote wilmette!Local elections impact every area of our daily lives, which is why it is so important to vote. With so many contested races this year, fulfilling that civic duty and privilege is even more critical. Let’s improve the turnout for this municipal election! Take advantage of early voting, which runs now – April 5, at Centennial Ice Rink. If you missed the deadlines, you can register and vote in person on the same day. To limit your time at the polls, check wait times and use the resources available on our website, including the Voter Guide, Candidate Forum Videos and the Wilmette Sample Ballot. Let’s get vote ready and VOTE!
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Municipal Election April 6, 2021
YOUR SOURCE FOR LOCAL ELECTION INFOMany local government seats are being contested in the upcoming election! The League of Women Voters of Wilmette is here to help as your source for trusted, reliable, nonpartisan election information.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and bookmark our Election Information page for updates. |
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Wednesday, February 24th at 11:00 a.m.
LWV-W & Wilmette Public Library book discussionThis month, we will be discussing Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson. Wilkerson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, gives us a masterful portrait of an unseen phenomenon in America as she explores, through an immersive, deeply researched narrative and stories about real people, how America today and throughout its history has been shaped by a hidden caste system, a rigid hierarchy of human rankings.
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Master Bike and Active Transportation Plan
village board approval expectedBased on its agenda, the Village Board is expected to approve the Master Bike and Active Transportation Plan at its next meeting on Tuesday, February 23. The plan’s goal is to develop recommendations to make Wilmette more walkable and bike-friendly. Visit walkbikewilmette.com to learn more about it. Residents are encouraged to provide input and attend the virtual meeting.
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Human Relations Commissioners Appointed
congratulations new commissionersSeven village residents are now members of the reinvigorated Village of Wilmette human relations commission. The HRC's initial task will be to conduct community engagement initiatives and community discussions on racism, social equity and community building to identify the needs of Wilmette and create a proposed two-year work plan to present to the Village Board Administration Committee for review and discussion. Click below for more information on the Human Relations Commission
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congratulations new commissionersSeven village residents are now members of the reinvigorated village housing commission. The Housing Commission makes recommendations for the alleviation of the shortage of decent, safe and reasonably affordable housing for the elderly and low and moderate income persons. The League looks forward to continuing its advocacy for affordable housing as the commission's work gets underway. Click below to read more about the Housing Commission.
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Commemorating the LWV
100 Years of league workAs a final commemoration of our centennial year, and the centennial celebration of the 19th Amendment, the League of Women Voters-Illinois' 100th Anniversary Celebration Committee completed a comprehensive, decade-by-decade history.
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Environmental Advocacy
what is ceja? why is it important?Passing CEJA (Clean Energy Jobs Act) would set an inspiring example for the nation. The bill was written with all stakeholders at the table, addressing fossil-fuel dependency, economic needs of BIPOC communities and the fight for the future of our planet. The January 2021 lame-duck session is our best chance to pass CEJA. Governor Pritzker needs to hear from us all!
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Congress Certifies Electoral College Vote
Abolish the electoral collegeThe presidential ballots cast by the Electoral College last month will be tallied in Congress on January 6. While this has historically been a perfunctory event, the League of Women Voters strongly believes that the direct-popular-vote method for electing the President and Vice-President is essential to representative government and that, therefore, the Electoral College should be abolished. The League has held this position since 1970 and has reaffirmed it several times, most recently in 2020. Find answers to your questions about the Electoral College here. Visit our Electoral College Reform page for further information.
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Energy and Environmental Commission
wilmette's plan for sustainabilityWith the goal of reducing the Village’s environmental footprint, the Environmental & Energy Commission (EEC) met on December 17 to continue developing Wilmette’s Sustainability Plan. Consider participating in this effort by attending a future meeting. If you have a strong environmental background, take your involvement up a notch by applying to serve on the commission, which currently has three openings. Click below for further details.
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Holiday Book Event Follow Up
gift ideas from our eventA warm thank you to Rachel Garcia, from the Wilmette Public Library, for sharing her top fiction and nonfiction picks for 2020 at our holiday event. Please shop local! Follow this link to purchase items from The Book Stall in Winnetka. They have also provided recommendations for everyone on your gift list, including yourself! Happy reading one and all!
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LWV-Evanston Speaker, December 8 at 7 pm
criminal justice reformCriminal justice reform issues are being debated throughout the country and LWV-IL is creating a new position on criminal justice. LWV-Evanston is offering an opportunity on December 8 at 7 pm to hear speaker Benjamin G. Ruddell, Director of Criminal Justice Policy for the ACLU of Illinois. He will discuss the ACLU's portfolio and efforts to develop principles of a fair, constitutional and racially equitable system of pre-trial practices. Register for that event here.
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Election Results
2020 General electionThank you to everyone within our LWV-W community who registered voters, informed voters, brought them to the polls and served as poll observers and election judges. Record-breaking numbers of votes were cast in this election. This unprecedented turnout is a testament to the determination of the American voters and the strength of our democratic system. Click the link below for Suburban Cook County results.
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Affordable Housing
celebrate cleland placeHousing Opportunity Development Corporation (HODC) is hosting a virtual groundbreaking event on Tuesday November 17 at 11:30 AM for Cleland Place – the 16-unit affordable housing development being constructed on the former American Legion site. The program will be live-streamed from HODC's Facebook page and will include remarks from Village Board President Bob Bielinski as well as members of Jean Cleland's family and HODC leadership. LWV-Wilmette has a long history of support for Cleland Place, and we are thrilled to be celebrating this milestone! Click below for details.
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Cook County Needs Your Help
become an election judgeDue to the Covid-19 pandemic, there is an expected shortage of poll workers nationwide and here in Suburban Cook County. Nationally, the LWV has partnered with Power the Polls to address this issue. Locally, Suburban Cook County residents can contact the Cook County Clerk’s office directly to sign up.
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Attention Prospective Candidates
consolidated election filing process has begunThe consolidated election for our local government boards will be held April 6, 2021. If you've ever thought about running for local office, now is the time! Visit our Local Government page for links to filing information for each government board. There is a wealth of information available for prospective candidates on the Illinois State Board of Elections website and in their candidate guide.
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Co-Sponsored Candidate Forums
recordings for two forums now availableOn September 15th, a forum was held for the candidates vying to represent the 17th Illinois House District. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D) and Christopher Kruger (G) participated; Yesoe Yoon (R) was unavailable. On September 26th, a forum was conducted for the two candidates competing for the 9th Congressional District seat in the US House of Representatives. That race features Jan Schakowsky (D) and Sargis Sangari (R). Bookmark our Voter Guides page for the latest information on all candidates, including judges.
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Join Our Criminal Justice Team
MEMBERS needed for criminal justice studyWe are now seeking members who are interested in joining the Criminal Justice team at the local level in Wilmette to participate in the study. The action foci leaders will work with interested individuals to schedule the meetings in the fall/winter of 2020 and 2021 to turn in our results by January 31, 2021. Visit our Criminal Justice page to learn more or to volunteer.
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Suburban Voter Q&A
election update from the cook county clerkRepresentatives from the 12 Suburban Leagues recently participated in a Town Hall with the Cook County Clerk's office. Topics included vote-by-mail, Election Day voting, newly registered voters, election judges, election security and more. A special report on the LWV-Cook County website summarizes critical questions & answers. Stay up to date with the LWVW Election Information page and by following us on Facebook.
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