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Date: 2/3/2026
Subject: News Blast February 3, 2026
From: League of Women Voters of McLean County



February 3, 2026

Tonight!
Part 2: Local Impacts of Government Funding Actions
 
Reminder! This new community program is a sequel to last Fall's offering. We again feature the efforts of The Documentation Project. There will be panel presentations, with Q&A and discussion. 
 
New topics will feature local expert presenters:
  • Tariffs and US Dept. of Agriculture cutbacks
    • Michael Doherty, economist and independent consultant
  • Youth enrichment programs
    • Rebecca Kinsey, The Baby Fold
  • Science grants
    • Gabe Spalding, Professor of Physics, Ill. Wesleyan University
Invite your friends! Forward this email or download our event flyer to share.
 
Click below for registration, location details.
 

Sign up Today!
Saturday: Volunteer with other Leaguers
 
Give 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
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
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.
 

Drinks & Dialogue
Media Influence on Voter Turnout
 
The next Drinks & Dialogue will be held on Thursday, February 25, 5:30 PM, with a discussion about Media Influence on Voter Turnout. It will be held at Gill Street Sports Bar, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Getting Youth Involved
Learn more about possible Student Civic Ambassador Program
 
League members are invited to learn more about a planned study on a local Student Civic Ambassador program. The purpose of the meeting to get input about exploring the program.  
 
Student civic ambassador programs aim to empower young people to become active informed citizens. Program activities vary based on local needs, and are often created and implemented by strong partnerships of community groups and schools.
 
Conducting a study is one way the League uses to determine further action.  
Meeting Details:
Thursday, February 26
6:00 - 7:00 pm
Bloomington Public Library
 
 

FYI
 
The Kaitlyn M. Erdman WINGS Scholarship Award from the YWCA of McLean County is now open for applications. The award is for women who are committed to growing -- professionally, personally and in service to others.  Deadline is Friday, February 27 at noon. More information about the award and application is below.
 
 
  
Judges are needed for the Primary Election on Tuesday, March 17th. McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael says there are numerous election judge cancellations and the county needs help.
 
Below is the link to the Application Form and more information about being an election judge. The application form can submitted online and also printed out and mailed. There is online training and hands-on practice sessions planned for those wishing more in-person experience.

They need both Democratic and Republican election judges with Normal having the most cancellations, followed by rural areas in the county.


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