Editor's Note: To start off the new year, we refreshed the Voter and News Blast. It is a simplified design and improved readability on all devices. Let us know what you think by sending an email to info@lwvmclean.org.
Diana and Carol |  | Welcome to 2026!
This spring, we will launch a study to examine the feasibility of our chapter implementing a Student Civic Ambassador Program. We are looking for those interested in both leading and participating in the study.
Student civic ambassador programs aim to empower young people to become active, informed citizens through a variety of activities and experiences. These programs vary based on the local needs, practices, and strengths of League chapters across the country; some of the basics:
- High school students learn about civics, democracy elections, voting, etc.
- High school students receive monthly training that leads to voter education and registration events at their schools. Some programs also incorporate election judge experiences, internships, observer corp training, volunteer opportunities, etc.
- Partners often include school districts, election authorities, other civic organizations, universities
I first learned about these programs at the 2024 LWVUS National Convention in Washington D.C. Three California chapters talked about their experiences. I was quite enthused because these programs align with our local commitment to engaging youth in civic activity. It was also exciting to see how many younger, active members were part of these chapters.
And closer to home, the Champaign County chapter has a Student Civic Ambassador Program. Rhonda Kirts and Linda Minor spoke about their Program at our Fall Kickoff Event in October.
If you are interested in learning more about the proposed work of the study team, join us on February 26 from 6-7 p.m. at the Bloomington Public Library when we will learn about the potential for the Program in our community.
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| Volunteer Opportunity: Learn & Serve at Midwest Food Bank
Kick off 2026 by giving back with the League of Women Voters. Join a hands-on volunteer shift at Midwest Food Bank and learn how food insecurity affects McLean County and communities across Illinois—and how policy and partnerships shape access to food.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, February 7
Time: 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Location: Midwest Food Bank Warehouse, 2031 Warehouse Rd., Normal
Spots: 11 volunteers (members only due to space/safety requirements)
Arrival: Please arrive 5–10 minutes early
Safety: Closed-toed shoes required
What you’ll do
Help with a warehouse project (sorting, packing, or organizing food) and hear a brief overview of how donations, supply chains, and community partners impact food access.
Registration & commitment
Space is limited; a waitlist will be used. If you register, please plan to attend. If an emergency comes up, notify us right away so someone on the waitlist can fill your spot.
Reminder: sign up now to reserve your spot (or join the waitlist).
|  | Part 2: Local Impacts of Government Funding Actions
There's More to the Story
It's more important than ever to be informed citizens and voters. That's why we've partnered once again with The Documentation Project to continue sharing what's happening locally as a result of federal government funding actions. Local community members directly involved in impacted programs can help us understand the connection to our local situation.
In Part 2, guest presenters will discuss the following:
- Termination of science grants and their impact on our education institutions
- Termination of a federal grant that supports Unit 5 after-school and summer enrichment programs and more
- Tariffs and cutbacks at the US Dept. of Agriculture that impact farmers and our communities
Our panel of knowledgeable local professionals will help us learn about what's at stake, and will welcome attendee questions and participation.
Join us on Feb. 3, 6:30 PM, Heartland Community College, Community Commons Building (CCB), room 1407
Bring your friends! The program is free and open to the community. Registration is appreciated to help us plan.
|  | Support Illinois History in Action: A Group Gift to the Project XV Voting Rights Museum
By Beth Porter
Last summer, 13 League of Women Voters of McLean County members toured the Project XV Voting Rights Museum in El Paso, Illinois. We left with a strong takeaway: this is more than a museum—it’s a clear, local reminder of why voting-rights education matters.
The exhibit highlights David Strother, recognized as the first Black man to cast a vote in Illinois in 1870, and expands into the broader history of voting rights—who was included, who was excluded, and how change was won.
In addition to supporting this museum, we also honor Black history in Illinois and help ensure these stories are preserved, taught, and shared with future generations.
A group gift from our League is a practical way to:
- support a local Illinois museum doing civic education work
- invest in voting-rights history that connects directly to our state
- honor and uplift Black history and the fight for equal access to the ballot
How to give (group donation)
If you would like to contribute to a group donation to the Project XV Museum, send donations to LWVIL by the end of January 2026 with a note: “For Project XV Museum.”
Mail to: League of Women Voters of Illinois, 332 S. Michigan Ave., Ste. 634, Chicago, IL 60604
Together, we can support a local museum, strengthen voting-rights education, honor Black history, and preserve an important part of Illinois history.
| | Pictured above: Some of the League members cheer voting rights while at the Project XV Museum on August 23, 2025. | | Next Drinks & Dialogue
Save the Date for February 25
The next Drinks & Dialogue will be held on Thursday, February 25, 5:30 PM, with a discussion about Media Influence on Voter Turnout.
More details on the program will be coming in the next News Blast. | | | Welcome New Board Members!
We are pleased to welcome new at-large Board members, Allie High and Andie Sa-Lewis.
Allie was born and raised here. She graduated in 2024 from Illinois State University with a bachelor’s degree in political science. While at ISU, Allie led the student organization Women in Technology which promotes the professional development and representation of women in STEM on campus. She also interned at the Center for Civic Engagement throughout the 2024 election; she facilitated over 30 voter engagement presentations and tabling events that contributed to record-breaking campus turnout in the general election. Since Allie became a League member in 2024, she has been involved in developing our social media presence and a database that covers local issues of interest to the League.
Andie grew up in Anchorage, Alaska. She served in the Air Force as a Korean linguist and lived in South Korea for a time. Andie holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and international business from ISU. She currently works as a branch manager for INB. Andie looks forward to helping the League promote education on local issues and provide resources that keep the community informed and engaged. | | Are You a League Leader?
By Diana Hauman
Who Are League Leaders?
League leaders are women and men with already full lives, who may have been members for a year or five or more. They have a passion for our mission to defend democracy and to empower voters.
| | | Two League Members Attend Deputy Registrar Training
League members Kyle Ciani and Alexis Kalish from the League's Voter Services committee attended Deputy Registrar training on Dec. 6 to learn how to accept registration of qualified residents of the State of Illinois.
Organized by the Bloomington-Normal NAACP and supported by the Democratic and Republican parties in McLean County, the training was taught by Bloomington Board of Election Commissioner election specialist Mike Leary. NAACP leaders, Georgene Chissell and Brian Peterson organized the training. Georgene is also a League Board Member.
| NAACP Political Action Chair and League member Georgene Chissell invites questions for Election Specialist Mike Leary.
| The non-partisan presentation trained representatives from across McLean County.
| | | Here are website links for the two election authorities in McLean County.
| | Member Sonja Reece Recognized
2026 "I Have a Dream Award"
League member Sonja Reece is among the 2026 recipients of the annual Dr. Martin Luther King "I Have a Dream" awards. Sponsored by the Normal and Bloomington Human Relations Commissions, the annual award honors Bloomington and Normal youth and adults for their service to the community.
Congratulations, Sonja!
Photo courtesy of WGLT | | | Issues & Advocacy Update
by Faith Russell
Behavioral Health: Sally Rudolph and Judy Buchanan represented the League in supporting the development of the current iteration of the Behavioral Health Plan, which is now complete and available for review.
| FYI
Bloomington Election Commission Opening
There is an opening on the Bloomington Election Commission following the resignation of one of its members. The Bloomington Election Commission oversees elections in the city of Bloomington.
The term is for three years with this one set to expire December 31, 2028. The board must have one Republican and one Democrat. The chosen candidate can be from either party. McLean County judge Rebecca Foley will make the appointment.
Letters of application can be sent by Feb. 1 to Bloomington Board of Election Commissioners, 121 N. Main St., Bloomington, Ill., 61701.
Mail-in Ballots
USPS Change and What It Means
The United States Post Office (USPS) changed last month regarding postmarks and postal possession. While taking one to three days to postmark or process mail is not new, the USPS made it public and official.
County clerks throughout the state met recently and recommended sending your mail-in ballot at least a week before the deadline.
Read more from our partner, WGLT:
| 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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