League of Women Voters Weighs in on Proposed Election Reforms
Media Contacts:
Becky Simon, communications@lwvil.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SPRINGFIELD, IL, September 25, 2025 — On September 24, Kathy Cortez, Vice President of Issues and Advocacy for the League of Women Voters of Illinois, participated on a panel to give expert testimony to the Election and Ethics Committee of the Illinois General Assembly on the subject of aligning local elections with the November election cycle and ILGA HB 2718, ‘Facilitating Voting by All Eligible Citizens Act.’
Cortez noted that the League of Women Voters applauds the committee for its attention to low voter turnout in our elections, and for its willingness to examine steps that the government can take to encourage more citizens of Illinois to participate. She also noted that the League of Women Voters has no firm position on either because low voter turnout has no single cause, and therefore there is no single solution.
Cortez argued that the idea of Universal Voting proposed under HB2718 had merit to the extent that, over time, it could create a culture of voting as a civic duty, but she urged caution on whether this is the right time to pass such legislation in light of today’s charged political climate. “Compulsory voting could be perceived as government overreach rather than an effort to instill a sense of patriotism or civic duty,” she said, even with opt-outs and no consequences for not voting.
Instead, Cortez continued, the League of Women Voters of Illinois recommends consideration of universal voter registration performed by the state with an option to opt out—not simply automatic registration, which we have in Illinois now—because it could be equally effective and perceived as less intrusive.
Cortez also spoke on the pros and cons of syncing up municipal and national elections. The League of Women Voters recognized that syncing up elections “has the potential to make running elections more cost-effective, and reduce the burden on election authorities to staff multiple elections with election judges,” she said. She also acknowledged studies that indicate such a move could improve voter turnout for municipal races, but recommended that further study on the issues is likely needed to address the likelihood of ballot fatigue.
Finally, the League of Women Voters of Illinois emphasized that voter turnout is also shaped by whether elections feel meaningful to voters. The absence of competitive races and the perception that one’s vote does not matter are often cited by voters as reasons for not participating. Cortez asked that the Illinois General Assembly consider broader election reforms such as revising campaign finance laws and legislation that strengthens independence in the redistricting process.
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The League of Women Voters of Illinois is a nonpartisan organization that encourages informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy and does not support or oppose any political parties or candidates. With over 100 years of experience and more than 800 local and state affiliations, the League is one of America’s most trusted grassroots organizations. For further information, visit lwvil.org.