Skip to main content
Date: 7/28/2026
Subject: News Blast July 28, 2026
From: League of Women Voters of McLean County



July 28, 2026

Poll Watcher Training
 
The LWV and partners are hosting a “Unite and Rise for Voting Rights” Day of Action on Tuesday, August 8, the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. As part of this, the LWVIL is providing a poll watcher training from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. in an effort to ensure the safety and integrity of our voting process, particularly as we approach the Midterm Elections. There is also another poll watcher training on September 8. Please consider attending one of the two trainings being offered.

• Saturday, August 8, 8:00 am, Virtual, Register
• Tuesday, September 8, 6:30 pm, Virtual, Register .


Unite and Rise Rally
August 8 at BCPA
 
On August 8, the local 50501 movement is sponsoring a Unite and Rise Rally focused on the theme of defending voting rights. It will be held at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts from noon to 1:30.

This rally is consistent with the League of Women Voter’s national Day of Action and lines up nicely with our mission to empower voters and defend democracy. To support this effort, our local League president Faith Russell will be one of the speakers. Also, the League has developed signs (pictured at left) you’re welcome to download, print, and carry at the rally.
 

LWV at Pridefest 2026
 
The League presented voting information at Pridefest in downtown Bloomington on Saturday, July 25. Pictured above are Phylis VerSteegh, Diana Hauman and Erin Hastings at the league table. Also volunteering were Alexis Kalish, Shay Simmons, Allie High, Margaret Cutter, and Doug Cutter. 

LWV Illinois State Assembly
Friday, August 28 in Springfield
 
You’re invited to join local members heading to Springfield for the Illinois State Assembly 2026 on Friday, August 28 to prepare for the critical November 2026 election.

The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. in Springfield.
 
Discussions will surround election judge recruitment, poll watching, civic education, partnerships, and "League in the Lobby," a new suite of tabling resources to help spread election information and answer the questions that may otherwise keep eligible voters from confidently going to the polls.
 
Guest speakers include Matt Dietrich, Public Information Officer for the Illinois State Board of Elections, and Karl Goeke, President of the Illinois Education Association.
 
Join us in person for idea-sharing, networking and camaraderie.
 
If you cannot make it in person, there will be an option to watch a livestream of the programming.
 
Since a State Assembly is not a league convention, there will be no bylaws, budget, or elections. There will be a tour of the State Capitol and time to socialize.
 
If interested, please contact Diana Hauman (info@lwvmclean.org) by Monday, August 24, about carpooling or, if there are enough interested in attending, renting a van.

Sign up to attend either in person and virtual.
 



Miss the latest issue of The Voter?  Be sure you know what is going on in our League. Click on the link below for the most recent issue.
 
 
Read LWVUS public statements about our actions to defend democracy.
 

Email: info@lwvmclean.org

League of Women Voters of McLean County 

PO Box 932 

Normal, IL 61761