Democracy Update: Summer 2026
09/30/26
Our country is in a constitutional crisis. Through Unite and Rise 8.5, the League of Women Voters is engaging and mobilizing 8.5 million voters to protect and preserve our democracy. Here's what we're working on:
Legal & Policy Advocacy
Protecting Vote by Mail: LWVUS joined with other voting rights organizations as plaintiffs in the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts v. Trump. In a major win for voting rights, election integrity, and democracy, the US Supreme Court left in place a preliminary injunction that blocks the US Postal Service (USPS) from enforcing key parts of a new rule that would have significantly restricted mail voting and disenfranchised voters who rely on mail ballots. The preliminary injunction will remain in place through the November 3 election.
Watch LWVIL's own Kathy Cortez weigh in on attempts to curb mail-in voting on ABC 7 Chicago.
Restrictive Voter ID Laws: The SAVE Act and Voter ID legislation is moving through Congress again. It is being promoted on the basis of false election security claims. The League has mobilized in opposition to this legislation.
Win for Voter Registration: A federal court temporarily blocked a USCIS rule that barred the League of Women Voters from registering new US citizens to vote at naturalization ceremonies in some communities.
Census Advocacy: The US Census Bureau announced sweeping changes to how we count people on the census. The proposed rule would severely distort population counts, create inaccurate representations of communities during apportionment and redistricting, and disrupt how state and local governments plan essential public services. Submit a comment opposing these changes. The comment period has been extended to November 2.
Unlawful Voter Initiative: LWVUS responded to new whistleblower allegations that US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officials directed personnel to use voter registration and citizenship data to identify and investigate purported noncitizen voters, including naturalized US citizens. The allegations come as the League remains in active litigation challenging the federal government’s expansion and use of the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system for voter verification.
LWV Convention: In June, League members from across the country gathered for the national League of Women Voters Convention, where we made decisions that will have an impact on League positions and priorities in the months ahead. Read our recap.
Letters & Endorsements: LWVIL has signed on to letters endorsing the following initiatives:
League in Action: Download the app today to keep up with legislative action opportunities.
Civic Education & Engagement
Election Season Trainings: LWVIL has been preparing for the November election with training sessions for League of Women Voters members to learn how to be a poll watcher, how to moderate a candidate forum, and how to organize candidate forums. Join the League to participate in these trainings and take part in your community's elections.
Work the Polls: Every voter deserves an efficient and fair experience at the polls. LWV is partnering with Power the Polls to recruit the election workers we need to make sure our polls—and our democracy—are accessible to all. Spread the word, and consider becoming an election judge in Illinois!
Housing Shortage: What can we do about the housing shortage in Illinois? Housing expert Lore Baker recently joined us to discuss housing costs, zoning policies, and efforts to make a greater variety of housing available to more people. Watch the recording.
Healthcare Affordability Crisis: Healthcare costs are rising—and remain a significant concern for voters. But what can be done? Experts recently joined the League to explore policy reforms proposed by advocates across the healthcare spectrum. Watch the recording.
Public Mobilization & Coalition Building
Urgent Text Alerts: The League is dedicated to ensuring safe and fair elections for all. If there is a need for urgent action to defend democracy, we want to be able to reach you quickly. Opt-in to receive alerts via text message. This system is solely for critical democracy alerts—we will not use it to ask for donations or to advertise events.
Day of Action: The League of Women Voters organized a national day of civic action on August 8 to defend democracy in honor of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Thanks to everyone who took part!