League Action in August & September

10/1/25

Representing over 4000 members across the state, the Illinois League takes action to make sure all our voices are heard, often teaming up with other organizations to amplify our message. Here’s what we spoke out on in August & September:

• We condemned the threat of National Guard deployment to Chicago and joined community organizations in staging peaceful protests in Chicago and Rockford on September 6.

• We endorsed the latest effort by Fair Maps to amend the state constitution and move our state a step closer to having legislative districts that reflect our voting population. 

• We oppose any effort to usurp the voice of the voter by attempting to use redistricting to predetermine the outcome of an election. Read LWVIL Vice President Kathy Cortez's comments in the Daily Herald's recent article on gerrymandering in Illinois.

• Low voter turnout is proof the U.S. needs to expand, not reduce, voting options. Read LWVIL Vice President Kathy Cortez's comments in the Daily Herald's recent article on threats to mail-in voting.

• LWVIL VP Kathy Cortez gave expert testimony to the Illinois General Assembly's Election and Ethics Committee on proposed election reforms, including aligning local elections with the November election cycle and the ‘Facilitating Voting by All Eligible Citizens Act.’

• Last year, LWVIL started a tradition of sending a letter to the governor and to the party leaders of both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly to outline the League's legislative priorities for the year. Read this year's letter.

Representing League members across the country, LWVUS also advocates for League causes by organizing resistance, speaking to lawmakers, and signing onto legal cases:

• Amid growing mid-cycle redistricting in state legislatures across the country, LWVUS released a statement calling for redistricting to be fair, transparent, and rooted in the voices of voters.

• The League of Women Voters and partner organizations filed an amicus brief in support of section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and fair representation for Louisiana’s Black voters in Louisiana v. Callais.

• LWVUS, LWV Texas, and partners filed an amicus brief arguing that Texas should block racially discriminatory 2025 congressional maps.

• The League were named managing partners of the civic holiday Election Hero Day, which takes place this year on November 3.

• Leagues nationwide hosted 750+ events on National Voter Registration Day.

• LWVUS Submits Testimony on Voting After Natural Disaster

• LWVUS Urges HHS to Reinstate “Public Participation in Rule Making”

• LWVUS Joins Comments to VA Opposing Rule Eliminating Reproductive Care

• League Demands Congress Pass Comprehensive Gun Reform

• LWV Files Amicus Brief in Support of Fair Maps in Louisiana v. Callais

• League of Women Voters Statement on USCIS Policy Restricting Voter Registration at Naturalization Ceremonies

• League to Governors: Protect Communities, Draw Equitable Mid-Cycle Maps

• LWV Condemns Harmful Texas Gerrymandered Maps 

• LWVUS Opposes Congressional Interference in DC

• LWVUS Submits Comments to EPA Opposing Rescission of the Endangerment Finding

• LWVUS Joins Comments Opposing Removal of Gender Identity Questions in National Crime Victimization Survey

• League Joins Coalitions of Nonprofits Condemning Trump Administration’s Attacks on Civil Society