Courts Decide Mail-In Ballot Cases

On June 29, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) issued a decision upholding voters’ rights and permitting Mississippi voters’ ballots mailed by election day to be counted if received within a 5-day window after election day, pursuant to Mississippi state law.

SCOTUS recognized that federal law does not control state laws that allow for the counting of timely-cast ballots, including those arriving after Election Day, and held that the states have the right to establish such laws.

The League of Women Voters joined many other organizations filing amicus briefs in support of Mississippi’s state law. LWV applauds the ruling, as it preserves states’ flexibility to administer elections in ways that reflect local realities and protects longstanding election practices that voters rely on.

In particular, the ruling preserves critical protections for voters with disabilities, rural communities, older voters, working families, and countless Americans who depend on absentee voting to participate in our democracy, such as members of the military.

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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 3 new Observer Training sessions via Zoom:

• Wednesday, July 8, 5:30 pm,  Register.
  
• 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. ​

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News from our Interleague Organizations

league of women voters upper mississippi river region(umrr)

The Wilmette League is a member of three Interleague Organizations (ILOs):  LWV-Cook County, LWV-Lake Michigan Region, and LWV-UMRR.  When you join the LWV-Wilmette, you are able to share in the events of these ILOs, increasing your ability to learn from our sister leagues, and participate in their advocacy.

Last week, LWV-UMRR held its annual meeting which included a business portion and also a speaker.  UMRR now has 70 member leagues spread through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri.  Its mission is to protect the “surface and ground water in the Upper Mississippi Basin, both for the environment and human health.”  ​

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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

Access to Healthcare:
Identify potential educational and advocacy opportunities regarding equitable access to healthcare and access to healthcare information Including but not limited to: -

• reproductive healthcare 
• mental healthcare 
• gun violence prevention 
• ​public health issues and concerns

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​LWV-US Biennial Convention, Columbus Ohio                                  June 25-28, 2026

​​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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