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.

Leagues across the state gather in June for LWVIL’s 62nd Biennium Convention—where we will determine the focus of our power, making decisions that affect our mission work at the grassroots level and maximize our impact throughout the state.

Convention begins Friday, June 20 with the virtual opening ceremony from 7:00–9:00 pm. This online program will include the Convention welcome, introductions, Board reports, recognitions, and an introduction to the Strategic Plan and new local League grant policy. Watch parties will be encouraged.

Convention business will be held in person on Saturday, June 21 at the Northern Illinois University Naperville Conference Center (1120 E Diehl Road) from 9:00 am–5:00 pm.

If you’re interested in attending as a delegate on behalf of LWV Chicago, please let us know at league@lwvchicago.org.

No Kings is a nationwide day of defiance. We’re taking action to reject authoritarianism—and show the world what democracy really looks like.

LWV Chicago is an official supporter the Chicago rally & march—join us! We’ll meet up at 11:30 am in front of the Board of Elections at 69 W Washington. Wear blue and bring your signs (make sure they are nonpartisan—about issues rather than specific people or parties).

We’ll also be offering voter registration forms on clipboards throughout the crowd from 11:00-12:00 pm. If you want to take part in this voter registration drive, email Catherine Mardikes at mardikes@uchicago.edu.

LWV Chicago’s South Side Unit will be holding a sign-making party from 5:00-7:00 pm on Wednesday, June 11 (5025 S. Woodlawn, Cardoza/Mardikes on buzzer), and all members are welcome to join.