LWV Wilmette

volunteer opportunities

Voter Registration:
LWVW members have been out at our local high schools registering new voters! If you’d like to become a deputy voter registrar and help us next time, email Lara Waechtler to join our deputy registrar team.

Poll Watching:
Independent, non-partisan observers known as “poll watchers” are a critical component of free and fair elections. LWVW is joining many other Leagues and partner organizations to provide poll watchers for the November elections. Join us! We will provide training and you’ll be part of a supported group from start to finish. Email Karen Glennemeier to learn more. 

Election Judges: Essential to ensure elections run smoothly and securely, election judges serve on election day (with the potential to work the entire early voting period) to set up polling places, check in voters and maintain ballot tallies and security. This is a paid position and is open to high school and college students, as November 3 is a state holiday. Click here to learn more and sign up. Several LWVW currently serve as election judges; if you want to hear a personal account, email Jen Manning.

Please Read!

us supreme court blocks usps from restricting mail ballots

In a major win for voting rights, election integrity, and democracy, the US Supreme Court left in place a preliminary injunction that blocks the US Postal Service (USPS) from taking actions that would have significantly restricted mail voting and disenfranchised voters. The preliminary injunction will remain in place through the November 3 election and bars USPS from refusing to deliver mail ballots for the election. The injunction also stops USPS from requiring states to upload personal voter information into its new and untested online portal. 

What does this SCOTUS decision mean for voters? It means that all 50 states can continue to use their existing processes for mail voting, which have proven for decades to be safe, secure, and reliable. Hundreds of thousands of mail ballots are already being delivered to eligible voters, with millions more to follow this month. Many Americans rely on mail voting because disability, distance, or work or caregiving schedules make it difficult or impossible to get to their polling site in person.​

voting rights town hall

On September 14th we enjoyed a packed house at the Wilmette Historical Society for our Voting Rights Town Hall. Guest speaker Ed Yohnka of ACLU Illinois joined us for a robust talk about state and nationwide efforts to protect voter rights and safeguard our elections.

voting matters: how we can strengthen our democracy

On September 8th, LWVW joined local congregations to share how to use vote411.org for all their voting and election-related needs and enjoyed a thoughtful conversation on current voting matters and the state of our democracy. Thank you for having us!​

democracy begins at home

Join our Observer Corps and find out about what's happening in your local government.
The Observer Corps is a core function of the League’s work. Members who observe regular meetings of governmental and educational boards contribute to keeping League members and our community engaged in local issues.
Now is a great time to join, since over the next few months, LWV-Illinois is offering Observer Training sessions via Zoom:

• Tuesday, September 15, Noon, Register.

If you’re interested in joining the LWV-Wilmette Observer Corps, contact Maureen ([email protected]) or Jen ([email protected]) for more information. ​

More Information

2026-2027 Local Priorities

Issues and Advocacy

In 2026-2027 LWV Wilmette is focusing on five core advocacy  issues. 
Good Governance:

• Advocate for open and transparent governing bodies 
• Facilitate community understanding of the workings of our local governing boards  Coordinates Observer Corps activities

Environment:

• Contribute to robust village initiatives stemming from the Sustainability Plan 
• Strengthen ecology-based management of Park District natural areas 
• Work with partner organizations to protect local environment & the Great Lakes

Inclusive Community:

• Educate and advocate for policies that ensure greater inclusivity 
• Proactively advocate for local government policies to ensure greater inclusivity 
• Actively monitor the efforts to develop more inclusive and affordable housing

Fair Elections and Voting Rights:

• Combat mis- and disinformation 
• Educate the community on electoral reforms (such as abolishing the Electoral College, ranked choice voting) 
• Advocate to address Voting Rights and fight voter suppression efforts
• Ensure every citizen has the right to participate in our electoral process

​​The LWV of Wilmette, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed, active participation in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. 

Join The League/Renew Your Membership

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