 |  | I hope you are all having a pleasant start to the year. If you're like me, I keep asking myself "Can I put away the winter coats yet?" As I write this, we are forecast to get 1-3 inches of snow tomorrow, so I guess the answer is not yet.
While we may be stuck inside a little longer than we want, there is something that we can easily do from our computer or phone.
My message this month is to do everything that you can do to stop the passage of the SAVE Act.
The SAVE Act has passed the House of Representatives and has headed to the Senate.
As you know, the SAVE (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility) Act is not an attempt to safeguard anything. It's voter suppression with a misleading title.
LWVUS notes:
The bill will require that every eligible voter provide documentary proof of citizenship (DPOC) to register to vote, even though voters in every state are already required to affirm or verify their citizenship status when registering and voting.
Every eligible voter could be unnecessarily burdened by the SAVE Act at some point when they update or change their voter registration information. That includes:
…Women, Trans Folks, and Anyone with a Changed Name: Americans who have changed their name, like married women and members of the trans community, would also be required to secure updated documentation to register to vote. There are an estimated 69 million American women who lack paperwork that reflects their current name.
There is no basis in fact for any concerns about widespread election and voting fraud by either citizens or non-citizens.
Elsewhere in this issue of the Voter, read the speech Faith Russell gave about the SAVE Act on International Women’s Day and a story in the Pantagraph about the act.
Ways to make your feelings heard:
- Fill out a form at https://www.lwv.org/save-act
- Call our Senators at (202) 224-3121
- Use the League in Action app -- there are several actions already in place to contact and call (learn about the app here, and download from your app store)
We need to make it easier to vote, not harder. | | Last Call: Community Information Program Tonight!
Get caught up on the latest criminal justice reforms at our next community information program, “Revisiting Justice: Assessing the Impact of Recent Criminal Law Reforms.”
Panelists Chief Judge Casey Costigan, Judge Amy McFarland, and President of McLean County Reentry Council Toy Beasley will discuss reforms such as the SAFE-T Act, Fair Act, and Clean Slate Act.
The program will be at Heartland Community College’s Community Commons Building on Tuesday, March 17, at 6:30 pm.
| | |  | America 250 Democracy Dialogues Series – Pursuit of Happiness
By Chad Kahl, President
Saturday, April 11, 1:00
YMCA (202 St. Joseph Dr, Blm)
The next event in the America 250 Democracy Dialogues Series will cover the Pursuit of Happiness. This discussion features Erik Rankin, Instructional Assistant Professor in the Department of Politics and Government at Illinois State University and President and CEO of the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation.
Our chapter is one of many co-sponsors with the McLean County Museum of History.
Each discussion begins with a short presentation on the historical context of each phrase and why it was included in the Declaration. Program participants then break into facilitated small group discussions to reflect on what these founding principles mean to them, how they have changed in our society since 1776, how they have been upheld, and what impact they still have on our nation today. At the end of each discussion, participants will be given information about how they can get more involved in our community and become more civically engaged.
All ages are encouraged to participate in any or all of the planned discussions. Registration is encouraged but not required to participate. Please visit https://bit.ly/Democracy1776 to register. | | No Kings Rally March 28
The next No Kings Rally will be held on Saturday, March 28, 12-1 at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts lawn. The LWVUS will again serve as an official national partner for this latest mobilization (see related article in this newsletter).
Plan now to join the local rally! Local event details are on the No Kings website here.
Download our approved rally signs, provided by LWV-Illinois, here. | | | Why is LWV a National Partner for the No Kings Rally?
By Faith Russell, Issues and Advocacy
The League of Women Voters recognizes participation in marches, rallies and protests as fundamental to our democracy. However, it has clear guidelines for any involvement that takes place under the League name.
As we prepare for the March 28 No Kings rally, for which the League of Women Voters is a national partner, it’s a good time to review League guidelines for resistance activities.
Rallies, marches and protests that the League supports need to be:
- Nonviolent: This is basic. It maintains the moral high ground and is more likely to elicit public sympathy.
- Nonpartisan: This is fundamental to the value of the LWV. We do not endorse or oppose individual candidates or political parties. We do, however, support and advocate for policies that align with our public policy positions.
- Aligned with League mission, values, and goals.
- Well-organized: The organizers should have clear messaging regarding place, time, length and speakers. They should have arranged for necessary permits and show knowledge of local ordinances.
- Prepared to mitigate risks: The event should recognize the risks to participants. This might include safety marshall training and preparation for counter-protesters or individuals who are opposed.
Some rallies, marches or protests may not meet League guidelines. Except for League chapter Presidents or Voter Service chairs, we are free to participate as individual citizens. When the League is not a partner we should not wear LWV branded apparel or use the League logo in any of our signage.
In April in the final article in this series, we’ll address reasons people choose to protest. We’ll also include actions concerned citizens can take if they choose not to protest. |  | |
Voter Services Activities
LWV in February and March
By Kyle Ciani, Voter Services
The League's Voter Services Committee is connecting with diverse groups across the Bloomington/Normal Community to help them register to vote and learn about the resource tool VOTE411. These photos show how our committee members are involved in these efforts.
| | Election Authorities Study Update
As a reminder, the League is undertaking a study examining McLean County’s two election authorities – McLean County Clerk’s Office and the Bloomington Election Commission. We are exploring ways to reduce candidate and voter confusion about the two election authorities, seeking to understand and advocate for consistent election practices, and exploring opportunities to improve efficiency in administrative functions.
As our study progresses, we will conduct a community survey. It will ask community members questions about their local voting experiences.
| | When the survey is released after the March 17th primaries, we will share info in the News Blast and the media about how to complete it. Please complete it yourself and also encourage friends, colleagues and family members to complete it, too, using the QR code that will be provided.
Thanks for your help with this important part of our study!
| | |  | Be a Delegate To LWVUS National Convention
By Chad Kahl, President
Our chapter is lucky enough to have four delegates to the 57th Biennial League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) National Convention. It be held June 25–28, 2026, in Columbus, OH.
Our policies provide support for delegates to the convention. We are planning for two in-person and two virtual delegates.
If you are interested in serving as a delegate to the convention, the chapter will pay for the registration fee for virtual participation for two delegates.
Virtual delegates will be able to view, speak, and vote in plenary sessions. Virtual observers will be able to watch plenary sessions. Breakout sessions will not be available to those participating virtually.
Read more about the convention on the official LWVUS convention site here.
If you are interested in being a virtual delegate, please explain your interest in 150 or fewer words in an email to info@lwvmclean.org. | | In Opposition To the SAVE Act
As Chad wrote about in his President's Message above, the League opposes passage of the SAVE Act. On Sunday, March 8, board member Faith Russell (pictured at right) represented our League at a local International Women’s Day Rally and spoke about the SAVE Act.
| | | | The Pantagraph Features LWV Views
The Pantagraph featured League views on the SAVE Act and much more in two feature stories this weekend. League members Laurie Wollrab, Sally Rudolph, Faith Russell, and Phylis VerSteegh were interviewed for stories published for both print and online editions.
You can read the full stories (does not require subscription):
- McLean County League of Women Voters encourages all to voice their vote (read here)
- SAVE Act, other bills would restrict ball access, McLean County League of Women Voters says (read here)
Pantagraph front page image courtesy of the Pantagraph | | | | Pantagraph Women's History Month Coverage Features Barbara Stuart
The Pantagraph featured long-time League member Barbara Stuart in its Women's History Month coverage. Don't miss this story with its reflections on McLean County women through Barbara's long list of accomplishments. Congrats to Barbara on the terrific interview and story.
You can read the full story here.
Photo courtesy of The Pantagraph. | | | | Welcome New Members!
Be sure to give Tasha Davis, Gerilyn Kelly, and Nancy Boden a League Welcome. They joined the League in February. | | | | Phone Call Friday: After-Hours Advocacy That Makes An Impact
By Beth Porter
Join us for Phone Call Friday on Friday, April 24, from 5:30-6:30, at the HOPE Church. This League members-only event is also open to members' family. Bring your teen, spouse, or another family member who wants to learn alongside you.
This gathering will bring members together to learn about timely public issues, review talking points from trusted sources, and more. Come for learning, stay for the community, and take action together!
| | | Discover the League, Find Your Place
New Member Orientation ~ Next Session May 2
by Beth Porter, Membership Director
Curious about the League of Women Voters of McLean County—or ready to get more involved? Join us for a friendly, low-pressure New Member Orientation designed to help you feel confident, connected, and ready to participate. Whether you’re brand new, returning after some time away, or simply want a clearer picture of how the League works, this session is for you.
Click on the link below for more information or to register. Contact Beth Porter at membership@lwvmclean.org with questions.
| LWV in the News
Read LWVUS public statements about our actions to defend democracy.
Read LWVIL published news and media coverage.
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