LWVIL to HOST CANDIDATE DEBATES for BOTH PARTIES
LWVIL has been asked to partner with ABC 7 and the Better Government Association to host debates for both Republican and Democratic candidates for the primary in both the Gubernatorial and Senatorial races. The debates are scheduled to be aired in January.

If you would like to suggest questions for the candidates or if you can serve as a helper for the debates, send an email to Jan Dorner, Voter Service VP, at voterservice@lwvil.org or phone Mo Ormiston in the League office. Check our website, www.lwvil.org, for the latest news on the televising and webcasting of the debates.

NEW: PROPOSED AMENDMENT on REDISTRICTING!
The LWVIL Board voted unanimously to support a Citizen Initiative on Redistricting: the Illinois Fair Map Amendment. This proposed constitutional amendment would take redistricting out of the hands of the General Assembly, allow for public participation and input, create transparency, and provide a process that would make the once-every-decade map drawing process just and equitable.

Local Leagues will be asked to collect signatures on petitions to get the proposed amendment on the November 2010 ballot, educate our communities on why it is important to support this initiative, and encourage others to support this effort as well. We are aiming for 500,000 signatures. We can do it!

NEW ADVOCACY TOOL: FIXING IL FINANCIAL CRISIS
A new pamphlet, Comprehensive Tax Reform for Illinois: Why and How, is ready for downloading HERE. The pamphlet helps to explain why tax reform is a necessary part of fixing the financial crisis Illinois is facing. The pamphlet will be a helpful tool to advocate for responsible budget reform within your community. Questions? Contact Claire McIntyre, Issue Specialist, at issues@lwvil.org attention:Claire McIntyre.

COUNTDOWN TO CENSUS DAY - APRIL 1, 2010
In less than 4 months, information about the importance of completing questionnaires for Census 2010 will arrive in the mailboxes of millions of U.S. residents, and there is lots of work yet to do. LWVIL continues to be in the forefront of activities around Illinois to get the word out. League members are joining Complete Count Committees and attending trainings to learn how to talk about the Census. If you’d like to attend a LWVIL training, one is being offered on Tuesday, December 8th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the League offices. For more information, e-mail Mary Schaafsma, marys@lwvil.org.

VOTER REGISTRARS: REMEMBER the STUDENTS
For those of you who are planning voter registration drives, don't forget about your local Colleges and/or High Schools. Many college students have moved since they originally registered and may want to register at school.