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Date: 9/17/2024
Subject: The Voter September 2024
From: League of Women Voters of McLean County


September 2024
Calendar of Events             
 
Members Confirm League Position
League to Advocate for "Yes" Vote on County Auditor Referendum 

Following a League-wide invitation, 15 members met online last Thursday to review and decide whether to confirm ("concur" with) our local League position relating to the upcoming McLean County Auditor referendum. The group agreed to retain the long-held position that administrative government personnel should be appointed, and only policy-makers should be elected.

In keeping with that position, the group then agreed the League should recommend a "yes" vote on the general election question to approve eliminating the office of County Auditor. The group pivoted its discussion to informal brainstorming about advocacy efforts, and several attendees volunteered to form an ad hoc committee to help conduct those activities. 

Later this week, a press release to area media will kick off advocacy efforts. The press release will be posted on our website later this week, and you may preview it (link below) for its specifics. More information will follow about what members can do to help spread the word.

If you would like to help the committee with efforts to inform the public about the referendum and advocate for a "Yes" vote, please send an email to info@lwvmclean.org. Since early voting starts Sept. 26, the committee is expected to work quickly, so don't hesitate to get in touch today!
 
Come to the (Postcard) Party!
Sunday, Sept. 22, 4-5:30 PM
 
Help inform voters and encourage voting! Join other League members between football games at Laurie Wollrab's home. We will hand-address postcards to selected McLean County registered voters ages 35-50 who reside in low-turnout areas. Card messages will encourage them to vote and seek information from Vote411. 
 
If you're short on time, drop by and pick up cards to address at home. While we have budget for postage, if you have postcard stamps on hand and wish to donate those, bring them along.
 
All members are invited, and are welcome to bring a family member or friend. To participate, please log in to your member account and register yourself and your guests on the event page.
 
Voter Registration Events Continue
By Chad Kahle

Thanks to everyone who has volunteered so far for voter registration events! We have a couple of more coming up.

We’re at the Downtown Bloomington’s Farmer Market on September 28 and October 5.

We’re looking for volunteers on both days:
  • There are two slots available: 7:30 to 9:45 am and 9:45 am to 12:00 pm.
  • If you are interested in volunteering, please head to Signup Genius.
VOTE411

Vote411 is a one-stop-shop where voters can find all the election information they need to cast their ballot. It is virtual, nonpartisan, and available in English and Spanish.

Our version goes live on September 16 at Vote411.
Voter Information Events
 
Mark your calendar! Our chapter is co-hosting two events with the Peoria League, WGLT, WCBU, The Vidette, the ISU Center for Civic Engagement, and the Bloomington-Normal NAACP.
Meet the candidates appearing on the fall ballot in McLean County, including McLean County Board, State House, and State Senate. Confirmed candidates will be announced prior to the event.

Candidates and campaign volunteers or staff will be present to meet with voters, discuss issues, and answer questions.
WGLT, WCBU, and The Vidette will moderate a 60-minute Q&A with the Illinois State Senate District 46 candidates.

Submit questions prior to the event at WGLT.org/46thquestions.
Issues and Advocacy Update
by Faith Russell

Several local issues important to League members have either study or advocacy efforts under way.
 
First, a group led by Laurie Bergner, including Phylis VerSteegh and Sally Rudolph, prepared a League statement on the local referendum proposing eliminating the McLean County Internal Auditor position. They hosted a membership-input meeting to establish the concurrence needed in order for the League to advocate in favor of this referendum. You can read the meeting outcome and details in the full story above.
 
Read Full Article
Update on Community Mental Health Services
by Judy Buchanan
 
The League is working on various ways to determine how the League can be most effective in helping enact the goals stated in our local League position. League members Judy Buchanan and Sally Rudolph continue to monitor mental health services in McLean County, especially as those services relate to our position. 
 
Election Judges Needed
 
Want to become an election judge in the City of Bloomington or McLean County? Looking to help our fellow citizens cast their ballots and participate in our democratic process?

The City of Bloomington Election Commission and the McLean County Clerk's Office are looking for volunteers. More information, including qualifications, pay, and applications can be found at:
 
 
If you have any questions, contact Chad Kahl at voterserviceslwvmclean@gmail.com
Go On Alert
 
Our observers of local government meetings play a valuable role for our League. Your time is spent observing and alerting our board to potential issues needing advocacy or study and consensus.
 
We have openings for Unit 5 and District 87 school boards. Much of the work of the County Board is done in committee and there are openings to observe those meetings. You can attend in person and observe remotely, and the position may be shared. Reporting is minimal.
 
If you can help, please contact Observer Director Gretchen Monti at gretchenmonti@gmail.com.
Important Election Dates
 
September 26 – Early Voting and Voting by Mail Begins

October 8 – Regular (paper) voter registration closes

October 9 – Grace Period Registration and Voting Begins

October 20 – Online Voter Registration closes

October 31 – Vote by Mail application deadline for receipt by election authority

November 4 – Last day for Early Voting
All About Normal
Learn more about local government

The Town of Normal is offering an educational series about how the town operates and the services it provides. It’s a free, eight-week course for community members. Applications are now being accepted.
Read more:
Welcome to our Newest Members!
by Beth Porter
 
Lynn Reha and Adriene Riegle
In Case You Missed It
 
Our Annual Kick-off Meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
 
 
Nobody's Fool: Why We Get Taken In and What Can We Do About It
LWVIL Mis/Disinformation Series on Thursday, Sept. 19.  
 

League of Women Voters of McLean County

P.O. Box 932, Normal, IL 61761

Email: info@lwvmclean.org

Web: lwvmclean.org
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Email: info@lwvmclean.org

League of Women Voters of McLean County 

PO Box 932 

Normal, IL 61761