The League of Women Voters of McLean County is now accepting nominations for its 2025 Florence Fifer Bohrer Award. The award honors an individual or couple who exemplify the spirit of Florence Fifer Bohrer through generous and selfless commitment to the community.
Nominations must be submitted by September 20, 2025 using the online form at lwvmclean.org/award2025. The award will be presented at the League Fall Program on October 9 at the Bloomington Public Library.
Award Honors An Illinois Trailblazer
Florence Fifer Bohrer (1877-1960) was a pioneering leader who dedicated her life to public service and community betterment. She was instrumental in founding the local League of Women Voters chapter, and served on the national League of Women Voters board. In 1924, she became the first woman elected to the Illinois State Senate, five years before women nationwide won the right to vote.
Bohrer's legislative work focused on improving lives, including helping establish the Illinois state park system and advocating for permanent care for children with disabilities. Locally, she co-founded the Girls' Industrial Home, helped create the Fairview Sanitarium, and chaired the Emergency Relief Commission during the Great Depression, ensuring critical support reached more than 15,000 county residents. Her legacy of active, compassionate citizenship continues to inspire civic leaders today.
Past Award Recipients
The award has recognized individuals whose leadership and service reflect Bohrer's example, including:
- Mike Matejka, co-founder of Not In Our Town and local historian
- Judge Elizabeth Robb, retired chief judge, civic engagement advocate and justice system reformer
- Sally Rudolph, former McLean County Board member and local League president
- Georgene Chissell, community activist, voter education leader, and civic volunteer
To Submit a Nomination
Community members are encouraged to honor local leaders who embody Florence Fifer Bohrer's spirit of service and dedication.
- Nomination deadline: September 20, 2025
- Nomination Form: lwvmclean.org/award2025
- Award presentation: October 9, 2025, League Fall Program, Bloomington Public Library
For more information, send an email to membership@lwvmclean.org.
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The League of Women Voters of McLean County is the local chapter of the League of Women Voters of the US -- a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. We empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education, and litigation at the local, state and national levels. Learn more at LWVMcLean.org.
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