Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.
Observer Corps
Monitoring local government meetings is a long-established practice of the League of Women Voters. It is one approach to help inform citizens about current issues and their governments.
LWV Chicago observes several bodies associated with the City of Chicago. Members also observe as part of the League of Women Voters of Cook County. Members volunteer to attend or watch a meeting and share what they observed in a written report.
LWV Chicago attends as many meetings as there are volunteers! In person is always best, but several Chicago agencies videotape their meetings, so it is possible to view a meeting online and create an observer report. If you are interested in participating in this program as a regular or occasional Observer, please contact the individual listed for each agency.
Chicago City Council
Observe meetings of the elected governing body for the City of Chicago. The City Council makes the laws that govern Chicago. Meetings are held monthly in the Council Chambers at City Hall, generally on Wednesdays and beginning at 10 a.m. Understanding the process for creating laws may be helpful.
To volunteer or if you have questions, contact Rochelle Riffer at league@lwvchicago.org.
Chicago Board of Education
The Chicago Board of Education generally meets on the third or fourth Wednesday of every month at 10:30 a.m. in the Board Room, Garden level at 42 W. Madison, Chicago. You must register to observe. Get more information here. Read our Board of Education observer reports.
To volunteer or if you have questions, contact Rae Sokolow at league@lwvchicago.org.
Chicago Board of Elections
The Chicago Board of Elections meets at 9 a.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month in the Board's 8th Floor offices at 69 W. Washington St., Chicago. Get more information here. Read our Board of Elections observer reports.
To volunteer or if you have questions, contact Helene Gabelnick at league@lwvchicago.org.
Cook County Observers
LWV Chicago members are also members of LWVCC. The League observes county boards—they include: