Proposed Program Plan
Every biennium, local Leagues engage in program planning to assess their positions and recommend alterations. Local Leagues also identify focus areas or other actions that will guide their work.
This year, 42 members from four Units participated in program planning for LWV Chicago. The Board reviewed the report submitted by the Program Planning Committee on May 11.
At the Annual Meeting, members will vote on the following recommended changes to LWV Chicago positions.
Recommended Changes to Where We Stand
Remove the position on the recreational use of marijuana.
Update the position on Electronic Communication and Access to take into account advances in technology or eliminate the existing position for lack of relevance.
Retain all other positions in Where We Stand.
Suggested Actions for Discussion
Address the issue of disinformation, including publications and programs on how to identify facts and recognize misinformation.
Review content from Zooming with the Aldermen Project, with support from the City Government Committee and Loop Unit, to identify opportunities for advocacy and action.
Review City Council operations and procedures to identify opportunities for advocacy and action, including a potential study on the size of the Chicago City Council.
Non-Recommended Item
Study the pros and cons of Ranked Choice Voting in Chicago’s mayoral and aldermanic elections.
Reject the proposal to study the pros and cons of Ranked Choice Voting for Chicago municipal elections. This study is not necessary. LWV Chicago can act using the LWVUS position.
At the League of Women Voters US biennial convention in June 2020, 93 percent of its 1,143 delegates voted to approve a new position to “support electoral systems at each level of government that encourage participation, are verifiable and auditable and enhance representation for all voters.” This position enables LWVUS and its state and local Leagues to advocate for ranked choice voting and proportional voting.
There is no need for LWV Chicago to study ranked choice voting for municipal elections. The League and its members may advocate for the adoption of ranked choice and other forms of proportional voting. Legislation has been introduced in the Illinois General Assembly for ranked choice voting for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Comptroller, and Treasurer, as well as members of the General Assembly. Chicago (as a home rule city) could adopt this for municipal elections.
Submitted by Program Planning Committee members Helene Gabelnick and Karen Sandrick based on input obtained from 42 members in four Units.