Incoming President Faith Russell made the following remarks near the close of the 2026 Annual Meeting to rally members and set the stage for the year to come.
This is an unprecedented time.
The US League has stated that we’re in a constitutional crisis.
They believe our government is failing in the constitutional principles of separation of powers, due process, voting rights, and free fair elections. There’s even been talk of repealing the 19th amendment - women’s right to vote, our amendment!
Nonetheless, the League’s CEO Celina Stewart said at the LWVUS convention: “This is the moment the League was built for.”
I truly believe that statement. And I think our McLean County League is built for this moment.
We have plans and programs in place to enhance the midterm elections in November and the municipal elections in April. We’re prepared to educate young voters and eligible nonvoters on reasons to vote and prepare them to be informed voters. We’re ready to speak out and cosponsor town halls, rallies, and candidate forums. We also are strengthening our Observer Corp which directly affects our local community as the League views our local governmental officials and entities in action.
But plans and programs aren’t enough to meet the moment. We need people.
Granted, we have a very strong core group of dedicated board members and volunteer-members who have made possible all that Chad described in his earlier comments.
But we need to expand that group of engaged members. I believe there are people out there who need us, as much as we need them.
I know I did. I was really compelled to do something as I watched our country move from everything I knew growing up into something that became unrecognizable. The League provided a structure and a range of outlets for civic energy. So I see it as a service to concerned citizens to invite them into the League.
Whether for yourself or someone you know, there’s a League action that’s at the right level for your energy and commitment. Let me share a few.
Some actions are humble.
- Read The Voter and NewsBlasts when they come out and follow up on the information they provide
- Renew your membership right now and check on the “auto renew” feature
- Complete the Interest Form at the sign-in table and say “Yes, I Will” when contacted by a committee chair
Some are more demanding.
- Attend a rally.
- Contact your representatives when prompted in state or national Action Alerts
- Attend the poll watcher training (the state League is offering one at 8 AM on August 8) and be a poll watcher
- Join the local Observer Corp for the Town of Normal, city of Bloomington or one of our school boards
Finally, I have a specific action request of those of you who attended tonight.
- Find three eligible non-voters (friends, family, acquaintances) and convince them to register and vote in the midterms. (We have simple, straightforward newly-designed materials on Why to Vote, How to Vote, and Being an Informed Voter which will be easily available for you.)
- Tell at least one acquaintance who worries about the current state of our country that there’s an organization built for times like this.
So I anticipate a year when we make some significant contributions to our community and our country, when we truly empower voters and defend democracy.
The League of Women Voters is needed, you’re needed, and you’re going to look back and be proud you were part of this work.