LWVIL CANDIDATE DEBATES BEGIN TUES., JAN. 12
LWVIL is co-hosting primary debates for both parties in the Gubernatorial and Senatorial races. Democratic candidates for Senator will debate on Jan. 12; Republicans for Governor - Jan. 13; Republicans for Senator - Jan.14; and Democrats for Governor - Jan. 19. (Note: There may be last-minute changes, specifically for the Jan. 14 debate. Check lwvil.org for the latest information.)

We could use a couple of additional League members as helpers for these forums.  If you are available on any of the above dates, please email Jan Dorner: voterservice@lwvil.org.

All forums will begin at 7 p.m. and last one hour. They will be streamed live on the ABC 7 website and shown live on ABC 7's digital channel (7.2, Comcast 217, Wide Open Web 219 and RCN 618). They will be shown again on the regular channel 7 at 11:05 p.m. the same night.

REGISTER ONLINE FOR FEB. 6 ISSUES BRIEFING
This popular annual event features eminent speakers and thoughtful discussions on our current hot topics: Redistricting and the "Fair Map" Citizen Initiative, Illinois' Financial Crisis and the Illinois Budget, the 2010 Census, and Term Limits for Leaders.

If you can't make it for the whole day, come for just the morning or the afternoon session. Click HERE to sign up.

HELP NEEDED: PETITIONS FOR "FAIR MAP" AMENDMENT
Local Leagues are asked to collect signatures on petitions to get the proposed "Fair Map" amendment on the November 2010 ballot. This drive is a high priority project for Leagues statewide for the next four months. If your League would like a "Fair Map Amendment - Citizen Initiative" presentation, email Mary Schaafsma at marys@lwvil.org.

For the last three decades, Illinois legislators have created districts that ensure their re-election by drawing their own maps behind closed doors. Under the proposed amendment redistricting would be turned over to an independent commission in order to make it more transparent, fair, and accessible to the public. Click here for a Fair Map Fact Sheet and for Fair Map Petition Instructions.