PLEDGE TO ACTTHE DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT IN Illinois
MAKE AN IMPACT FOR DEMOCRACY
Democracy starts with each of us—and together, we can make a major impact when we speak up for what’s right. We know the ultimate power in a democracy is the people. We are powerful, fearless, ordinary Americans working together to build a democracy that works for us all.
Take action! Join in the democracy work of the organizations below:
- ACLU of Illinois
- Better Government Association
- Change Illinois
- Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights
- Chicago Votes
- Common Cause Illinois
- Communities United
- Illinois Ballot Integrity Project
- Illinois Public Interest Research Group
- Independent Voters of Illinois Independent Precinct
- Just Democracy Illinois
- League of Women Voters of Illinois
- NAACP Illinois
LEARN MORE ABOUT NEW VOTING AND ELECTION BILLS IN ILLINOIS
An online database created by the Brennan Center has all the most recent information on restrictive and expansive voting bills that are being proposed or have passed in your state. Make sure to stay up-to-date!
VISIT A ‘ONE-STOP-SHOP’ FOR ELECTION INFO: VOTE411.ORG FOR ILLINOIS
VOTE411 is a “one-stop-shop” for election information created by League of Women Voters. Get your Personalized Voting Information to find your polling place, see what’s on your ballot, check your voter registration, learn ID requirements, and much more!
VOLUNTEER AT THE POLLS IN ILLINOIS
An online portal developed by the Fair Elections Center to share state by state information on poll worker requirements and applications for each state.
LEARN WHERE THE POLITICAL MONEY COMES FROM IN ILLINOIS
A searchable database by Open Secrets with profiles showing you who’s making the big political contributions in your state, as well as where the money’s coming from.
LEARN HOW DEMOCRACY REFORMS BECOME LAW IN ILLINOIS
Twenty-six states, including Illinois, & DC allow citizen-led ballot initiatives and have a process for citizens to get measures on the ballot to be voted on to become law. This means that a group of citizens may place a measure on the ballot through gathering signatures, and, in some states, getting legislative approval once the set number of signatures is reached. LEARN MORE!
Illinois DEMOCRACY REFORM AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL IS POSSIBLE TOO!
Learn more about the Freedom to Vote Act.
Urgent Action
VOLUNTEER TO PROTECT THE VOTE!
Join Common Cause’s Election Protection program makes sure eligible voters know how to cast their ballots and ensure they are counted. Sign up to help voters — by monitoring polling places, contacting voters, watchdogging social media for disinformation, and more!
Ask your lawmaker to co-sponsor SB828, Voting in Prison!
In Illinois, there are over 30,000 people incarcerated in state prisons, unable to vote but still impacted by the decisions of elected officials. In coalition with over 80 organizations, Chicago Votes is advocating for Senate Bill 828 which would end felony disenfranchisement in Illinois and allow people in prison the opportunity to vote!
Success Stories
The hard right in Illinois, one year after the Jan. 6 attack
Though heavily Democrat, Illinois is not immune from the forces leading to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol by Trump supporters intent on preventing Congress from formalizing President Joe Biden’s election.
Illinois Legislative Redistricting Challenge
Lawsuit filed on behalf of the East St. Louis Branch NAACP, Illinois State Conference of the NAACP, and the United Congress of Community and Religious Organizations challenging newly-drawn Illinois House of Representative districts.