Join the League of Women Voters of Chicago on Constitution Day for a special talk by John Engle, Vice President of LWV Chicago and its historian-in-residence.

A published historian and political theorist, John will explore the framing of the U.S. Constitution—its historical context, the people and political processes that crafted it, and how it shaped the early American republic. Drawing on his scholarship in history and political science, John will trace parallels between past and present, inviting reflection on how America’s founding charter continues to shape—and be tested by—our democracy today.

About the Speaker

John Engle is Vice President of the League of Women Voters of Chicago and its historian-in-residence. A published historian and political theorist, John is the author of Trinity Student Pranks (The History Press) and has contributed widely to journals and reviews. His historical writing includes essays on H.P. Lovecraft (Mythlore) and the Icelandic Commonwealth (Medievalists). His work in political theory spans topics from political speech American exceptionalism (Etcetera: A Review of General Semantics) to political consent theory (International Journal of Political Science and Development) and land rights (Georgist Journal). He is currently completing a forthcoming book on the decline and fall of the Roman Republic and the lessons it offers for the American republic today.

A lifelong debater, he was ranked first in Ireland, second in Europe, and fourth in the world. He has gone on to coach public speaking and debate for groups including civil servants at the UK Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence, Oxford executive MBA candidates, and US elected officials and political candidates at the local, state, and national level.

John holds an MA in Philosophy and Economics from Trinity College Dublin, a BA and MBA from the University of Oxford, and a diploma from the London School of Economics. He was elected a member of the Royal Historical Society in 2023.

Read John’s Series on the History of Democracy

The First Democracy: An Introduction to Athenian Demokratia

A Warrior Society Ruled By Women? An Introduction to the Politics of Ancient Sparta

The First Republic: An Introduction to the Roman Res Publica

Local election officials are the lifeblood of our democracy. They power our elections and provide access to the polls for voters across the country. Since the last few election cycles, election officials have faced challenges from harassment at the polls to intimidation at the way they do their jobs. Many election officials have resigned and this brings about another challenge, a deficit in the way in which our elections function.

This webinar will share best practices on building relationships with local election officials. From experiences via voter services committees, to highlighting events that feature local election officials, this webinar will identify ways in which League leaders can get more engaged with local elections and the folks who administer them.

Chelsey Cartwright, Democracy Truth Project Manager will host a conversation with Andrea Miller of the Center for Common Ground, Monica Wills-Brown, Voter Services Vice President of the League of Women Voters Marrietta-Cobb County, and Charis Johnson, President of the League of Women Voters Atlanta-Fulton County along with local election officials in Cobb and Fulton County, Georgia that speaks to why local election officials should be protected and upheld by the will of the voters and the momentum of the movement.

Every year, we gather to discuss what topics members would like to see addressed in League programs. LWV Chicago’s Chicago in Focus lecture series and Briefings highlight and explore important issues facing Chicagoans today. Join us to eat some pizza and brainstorm this year’s event topics! All members are welcome.

There is a direct and swift assault on the federal government being enacted by the current administration. The power of the pen via executive orders has been brutalized and it has left voters from Arizona to Pennsylvania in a frenzy. What is the scope of each branch of government and why does understanding these roles matter in the long run?

Join LWVUS staff attorney Thomas Tai, Chelsey R. Cartwright, Democracy Truth Project Manager, and Kaitlyn Dowling, Senior Analyst at the Algorithmic Transparency Institute and Rebecca Goldman, Justice Reform Legislative & Policy Manager for a conversation that takes a deep dive into why it’s important that voters understand the purview of the executive branch, judicial branch, and legislative branch of government.

The conversation will hinge on why the distinction between branches of government matters, the history behind the separation of powers, and how expanding your knowledge base of this information can inform and influence your work in your state or local League.

What if every eligible Illinoisan voted?

Join us for an engaging Universal Voting webinar that explores this bold idea—where casting a ballot is not just a right, but a civic duty.

Together, we’ll:
✅ Examine how universal voting works in other countries
✅ Discuss how it could be implemented here in Illinois
✅ Consider how it could strengthen democracy and increase participation across our state

Universal voting has the power to:

• Dramatically increase political participation and create an electorate that reflects our diverse state

• Expand the power of communities who vote at lower levels, including young people, communities of color, and low-income voters

• Reduce polarization and incentivize campaigns to reach every voter

• Combat voter suppression and apathy by making voting a civic responsibility

This is a conversation Illinois needs to have—join us and be part of it.

Join Chicagoans downtown for a national day of action in protest of the brazen attempt to gerrymander Congressional seats in Texas. These politicized redistricting efforts undermine fair elections, silence voters of color, and attack our country's democratic foundations.

We must stand up to defend the vote, protect our rights, and oppose this anti-democratic power grab. Join us in downtown Chicago tomorrow, August 16 at 11:00 am for a rally at Wrigley Square in Millennium Park, 201 E Randolph St.

LWV Chicago members and friends will meet up beforehand at 10:30 am on Michigan Avenue in front of the Chicago Cultural Center, between Randolph and Washinton. Wear blue! The League of Women Voters is nonpartisan but still political—if you are representing the League, please keep the messages on your signs nonpartisan.

How can we dispel apathy and breathe new life into our democracy? LWVUS' Democracy in Your Hands virtual training series presents this roundtable discussion on the issues that speak to voters and compel them to use their voice. Learn more and register.

On July 17, we honor the anniversary of the passing of civil rights hero John Lewis, not with ceremonies, but with action. Across the country, we will take to the streets, courthouses, and community spaces to carry forward his fight for justice, voting rights, and dignity for all.

Join LWV Chicago and other sponsoring organizations at Daley Plaza to recognize this day of action! RSVP.

The League of Women Voters will meet up beforehand at 5:00pm outside 69 W Washington St—see you there!

Steven Schwinn, Professor of Law at the University of Illinois Chicago, will join LWVIL to speak on major decisions made by the Supreme Court this session and how they will affect everything from separation of powers and executive authority to individual freedoms and state's rights. Register.