League Leads Election Protection Effort Across 98 Polling Sites
On Election Day, March 17, 2026, the League of Women Voters of Chicago mobilized a citywide network of trained volunteers to protect voter access and strengthen confidence in the democratic process as part of the nonpartisan Election Protection (866-OUR-VOTE) coalition.
LWV Chicago volunteers monitored 98 polling locations across the city, with a strong presence on Chicago’s South Side, including Wards 3–4, 6–10, 18, and 20—predominantly Black communities where barriers to voting have historically been most acute. Volunteers provided real-time support, answered voter questions, and documented issues to ensure that eligible voters were able to cast their ballots.
“We are incredibly proud of our volunteers, who showed up across Chicago to make sure voters were informed, supported, and able to participate,” said Jane Ruby, president of the League of Women Voters of Chicago. “This was people-powered democracy in action.”
LWV Chicago worked alongside coalition partners including the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), and Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago, each contributing critical expertise to a coordinated Election Protection effort. The League also recognizes the strong poll monitoring presence of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition during this election.
Across the polling places monitored by LWV Chicago, volunteers observed no presence of federal immigration enforcement, despite significant concern leading up to Election Day.
Those concerns were not unfounded. In the weeks before the Primary Election, public statements from federal officials and political figures suggested the possibility of immigration enforcement activity at or near polling places. Reports indicated that Border Patrol leadership signaled a potential return to Chicago with an expanded presence, while a U.S. senator raised the prospect of deploying immigration agents to polling sites under certain conditions. Prominent political voices also publicly supported the idea of federal intervention in elections.
While these threats did not materialize at the polls, their impact was real.
“Even the suggestion that immigration enforcement could intersect with voting is enough to create fear,” said Agnes Gray, acting Voter Service chair, LWV Chicago. “We cannot ignore the possibility that eligible voters chose to stay home rather than risk encountering law enforcement or immigration officials.”
At the same time, LWV Chicago commends the Chicago Board of Elections for administering a smooth and well-run election. Volunteers reported that, overall, polling locations operated effectively and that election workers were courteous, responsive and professional.
The League also underscores that there is no credible evidence of widespread non-citizen voting, and that such claims contribute to misinformation and voter intimidation. Voting unlawfully carries serious legal consequences, making it both highly unlikely and a harmful narrative that undermines public trust.
“We stood alongside our partners to ensure voters felt safe, respected, and empowered,” said C. Betty Magness, Illinois Political Director for the Rainbow Push Coalition. “Protecting the vote requires vigilance, coordination, and a deep commitment to our communities.”
Throughout the day, Election Protection volunteers and PeaceKeepers across the coalition addressed issues including polling place delays, improper ID requests, and voter confusion—resolving concerns quickly so voters could successfully cast their ballots.
As Chicago looks ahead to future elections, LWV Chicago remains committed to expanding its Election Protection & PeaceKeeping efforts, combating misinformation, and ensuring that every eligible voter can participate free from fear or intimidation.
Learn more about becoming a PeaceKeeper for the November 2026 midterm elections.