We did it! SB0058, which bans the purchasing and distribution of polystyrene foam foodware in all state facilities and agencies AND requires state agencies to track and implement goals to reduce single-use plastic disposable foodware, was signed into law by Governor Pritzker on August 4.

Iris Martinez was elected in November 2020 as Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court. She is the first Latina to hold that office in the second-largest court system in the country. At a reason LWV Cook County fundraiser, Clerk Martinez remarked on the changes which have been made during her tenure.

After a historic decision by the Illinois Supreme Court, Illinois is the first state to eliminate cash bail as part of a landmark criminal justice reform law. Among the SAFE-T Act’s champions were Governor J.B. Pritzker and groups like the League of Women Voters.

After a successful effort to change City Council Rules in March, the new Council changed the Rules again in May, once again allowing Direct Introduction Items. The League is back at it, working to increase government transparency and allow for public input.

Hey, environmentalists—we’ve got ideas for a fun summer outing and the perfect beach read!

Since 1981, this award has been presented to a member who has demonstrated extraordinary long-term dedication and effectiveness in League work.

LWV Chicago’s 2023 Annual Meeting served as a forum to acknowledge both outgoing and incoming Board members, approve existing bylaws and a budget for 2023-2024, and to present the annual Greensfelder-Elam Award. Check out the highlights!

For more than a century, the League has been a bulwark of democracy, and over the past year, we continued to honor that tradition. Through voter education, community outreach, and policy initiatives, we have empowered the people of Chicago to participate actively in the democratic process.

If you haven’t visited one of your Police District Council meetings, it’s about time! Residents report they’re well-run, business-like, and informative—the keys to building strong relationships.

Trees provide many benefits to a city like Chicago—what can you do to preserve and grow our city’s tree canopy?

Delegates representing local Leagues statewide attended the League of Women Voters of Illinois’ Convention to make decisions that affect our mission and maximize our impact throughout the state.

LWV Chicago membership is recommended to adopt a position at the Annual Meeting on June 24 in support of Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) for municipal elections in the City of Chicago.

What happens to those plastic bags you “recycle”—and what can you do about it?

Anthony Driver, president of the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, calls for conversations in the community as well as the police department about better ways to reduce city violence.

The Board members serving new terms will be elected at the Annual Meeting. Learn about who is in the running!

See the Bylaws Committee’s recommended changes to LWV Chicago’s Bylaws, to be voted on at our Annual Meeting on June 24.

The Chicago Board of Education is changing. By 2027, we’ll have a 21-member elected school board. Illinois state legislators have drawn a draft map consisting of 20 school districts with input from the public.

We did it! It passed! SB0058, which bans the purchasing and distribution of polystyrene foam foodware in all state facilities and agencies, passed in the Illinois House and Senate. After Governor Pritzker signs it, the new law will go into effect on January 1, 2025.

Lead pipes are the largest threat to drinking water in Chicago. Lead is a neurotoxin and is unsafe in any amount. Chicago has the most lead pipes of any U.S. city—approximately 400,000. What should you do about it?

What do YOU think about Chicago’s next police superintendent? Take this survey to tell the Community Commission what they should look for when they interview candidates.