Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.

News
Catastrophe in Los Angeles
We stand in solidarity with the people of Los Angeles and pledge to do anything we can to stop the global warming that so obviously is contributing to these disasters.
Bringing Ranked Choice Voting to Chicago
This month, Chicago in Focus welcomed Rebecca Williams of FairVote Illinois to discuss the fight to establish a Ranked Choice Voting system for municipal elections in Chicago.
Take Action: Restore Prisoners’ Voting Rights
It’s time to champion voting rights in Illinois—the RACE Act (SB3482) will restore voting rights to individuals in prison and expand civics education within our correctional system.
Why the ERA Matters Now More than Ever
The ERA is a moral imperative. By securing its place in the Constitution, we invest in a future where all children can grow up knowing their worth is determined, not by their gender, but by their character, talents and contributions to society
Remembering President Jimmy Carter
LWV Chicago joins the nation in mourning the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, whose unwavering commitment to human rights, equality, and American democracy has left an indelible mark on our nation and the world.
LWV Chicago Joins ERA Protest at National Archives
We proudly stood alongside leaders from Vote Equality and Equal Means Equal in a protest at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. to call on President Biden to take decisive action to publish the ERA.
Jill Wine-Banks Receives Making Democracy Work Award
LWV Chicago is delighted to announce that the recipient of the 2024 Making Democracy Work Award is Jill Wine-Banks, whose extraordinary career exemplifies the values of justice, truth, and democracy.
Happy Green Holidays!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, which means one thing: chaos! As you’re scrambling to check off everything that needs to be done before the new year, here are some tips to celebrate in eco-friendly style.
Rallying for the ERA in DC
We took a trip to Washington DC for the 101st anniversary of the ERA being introduced into Congress, rallying in support of adding the ERA to the US Constitution.
A New Way to Think About Gifting
The holiday shopping deals are already here. Can we all think about gifting in a new way? Plan a pre-holiday donation drop off at your favorite thrift store.
Campaign Finance Reform Town Hall
We joined Alder Matt Martin and other grassroots organizations for a Southside Town Hall to discuss the Chicago Fair Elections Ordinance and how people can get involved.
Biden Must Act on Equal Rights Amendment
The women of the United States have been waiting for more than a century to see the Equal Rights Amendment made part of the Constitution. They have waited long enough.
Take Action: Fight for Women's Equality
In the United States, women are still not guaranteed equal rights. With just months left in office, we are urging President Biden to act to ensure that the Equal Rights Amendment is published.
Chicago School Board Election Recap
The Chicago Board of Education has the beginning of an elected school board. Ten members were elected on November 5 to the new hybrid board. These members will take office in January 2025.
Practice Gratitude this Thanksgiving
As we pause to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends, let’s reflect on the ways we can show our gratitude to each other and to Mother Earth through our actions and intentionality.
Good Time to Focus on City Government
It’s budget time for the City of Chicago! The City Council’s Budget Committee is in the midst of meeting with all the departments to go over the proposed budget for 2025 presented by Mayor Johnson.
Take Action: Protect the Mahomet Aquifer
The Mahomet Aquifer is the sole source aquifer for nearly one million people in Central Illinois — and it is currently at risk. Tell your state senator and state representative to protect Illinoisans’ drinking water by passing SB3968/HB5874.
Engaging Students in Elections
There are three important parts to being an informed citizen — paying attention and learning, exercising your right to vote, and holding your government accountable and making sure that democracy is working for all.
What Are Wetlands and Why Should Illinois Protect Them?
Wetlands play a vital role in a healthy environment, but less than 10% of Illinois’ historic wetlands remain. We’re supporting a state wetland protection program to safeguard what we have left. Take action!
League Sits Down with European Election Observers
We hosted a meaningful discussion about election oversight with representatives from the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).