The League of Women Voters of Elmhurst

Dear Supporter:

Proof that we live in unprecedented times is apparent everywhere from our day-to-day lives to national news headlines. Yet some things never change, and the need for an informed, engaged electorate remains more critical than ever. That ideal defines the League of Women Voters of Elmhurst, and it is why we are asking for your support.

During the past year, we hosted three in-person candidate forums.

*In May 2022, our forum included the following races leading up to the General Primary Election in June 2022: Republican candidates for the DuPage County Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners (District 2), Democratic candidates for the DuPage County Board (District 2), Republican candidates for the DuPage County Board (District 2), and Republican candidates for DuPage County Board Chairman.

*In September 2022, our forum covered the following races in anticipation of the General Election in November 2022: the Illinois State Senate (District 23), the Illinois State House of Representatives (District 45), the DuPage County Board (Districts 1 and 2), and the DuPage County Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners (Districts 1 and 2

*In February 2023, our forum featured the following races in advance of the Consolidated General Election in April 2023: the Elmhurst City Council (Wards 1, 2, 6, and 7), the Elmhurst Park District Board of Park Commissioners, and the Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board of Education.

Prior to each of these events, we worked closely with the community to develop candidate questions that reflected a broad range of constituents' concerns. Each forum was taped, and footage was subsequently added to our website, YouTube Channel, and the Illinois Voter Guide.

We sponsored monthly programming that was free, accessible to the general public, and inclusive of a diverse array of issues.

*In March 2022, we examined how judges are rated and why it's critical that voters participate in judicial elections.

*In April 2022, we co-hosted "Urban Forest Stewardship: Native Tree Selection and Community Engagement" with the Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition.

*In August 2022, we invited a speaker from the local chapter of Moms Demand Action to discuss gun-violence prevention.

*In October 2022, we screened The Janes, a documentary about an underground network of women who provided safe, affordable abortions in Chicago during the 1970s.

*In January 2023, we heard about how our city works from Elmhurst's Business Development Manager and the Chair of the Zoning and Planning Commission.

*In March 2023, we hosted a discussion with Elmhurst’s new Chief of Police, Michael McLean, to learn more about his vision and plans for our community.

*In April 2023, LWVIL Issues Specialist (Environment/Climate) Laura Davis spoke at our monthly program and provided the most recent data on the impact of plastics on Lake Michigan.

*In May 2023, we will host our Annual Meeting for LWV Elmhurst members; later this summer, we look forward to planning even more exciting programs and events for 2023–2024!

We provided numerous other nonpartisan resources to support a community of informed, engaged voters.

*Our observer corps reported on Elmhurst City Council meetings and Elmhurst CUSD 205 Board of Education meetings. (You can catch up on what's going on in local government by clicking here. This is a critical service that helps maintain and enhance community engagement; analytics show that more than 200 people often view the OR’s once they’re posted.

*We also began live streaming school-board committee meetings, which District 205 typically doesn't record. At times, more than 800 people are viewing these live streams in progress!

*The LWV Elmhurst hosted multiple voter-registration events and kept voters apprised of how to obtain permanent vote-by-mail ballots.

Why help us?

We realize that many organizations depend on the generosity of donors such as yourself. Yet it is more critical than ever to keep democracy in action. By giving to the LWV Elmhurst . . .

*You will ensure our ongoing ability to host candidate forums and other events that increase voter engagement and awareness.

*You will support our efforts to continue offering free monthly programming on issues that matter to our community.

*You will enable our continued commitment to provide up-to-date, nonpartisan voter resources.

The LWV Elmhurst has served as an example of democracy in action for more than 90 years. We need your help to remain strong in this role for generations to come!

*Please mail your check to us at: The LWV Elmhurst, PO Box 12, Elmhurst, IL 60126

OR

*Donate online via this GoFundMe, gofundme.com/f/the-league-of-women-voters-of-elmhurst. Please be sure to share our GoFundMe link on social media, as well!

Thanks in advance,

Jan Dorner and Dorothy McGuire, Co-Presidents of the LWV Elmhurst

*Since the LWV Elmhurst is a 501(c)4 organization, donations are not tax-deductible but are extremely appreciated!