Emailing - League of Women Voters of McLean County

Date: 11/3/2026
Subject: News Blast November 3, 2026
From: League of Women Voters of McLean County

November 3, 2026

Calendar of Events

What Happens After the Election?
November Drinks & Dialogue

Does it seem like November 3rd will never come? Can you take seeing one more political ad?

Well, when the election is finally over….what’s next?

What will happen if there’s a “blue wave?” What will happen if there isn’t?

Will the next Congress be productive? Will there be surprise winners and losers?

Will any states turn “purple?” Who will hold the power, and what will they do with it?

Come to the Wednesday, November 11th Drinks and Dialogue for a lively discussion around these questions!

Dr. Meghan Leonard and Dr. James Scott, from the ISU Politics and Government Department, and retired Circuit Court Judge Robert (Bob) Freitag will provide a short presentation and facilitate a discussion.

Place: Gill St. Bar & Grill
3002B Gill St., Bloomington

Social Hour: 5:30-6:00 pm
Discussion 6:00-7:00pm

You won’t want to miss this!!

RSVP Drinks & Dialogue

Pictured from left, Bloomington Election Commission (BEC) Executive Director Will Nesbitt and BEC Election Analyst Nick Tomaski.

Totals Match!
By Alexis Kalish

Do you believe we have voter fraud and rigged elections? To assure that we do not, before each Illinois election voting machines undergo rigorous testing to ensure their accuracy and reliability. All local election authorities are required to conduct public tests of 5% of the voting devices used in each precinct and the early voting locations. Locally, both the McLean County Clerk’s office and the Bloomington Election Commission conducted these tests.

On October 12th, Leaguers Jane Scott and Alexis Kalish observed the public testing at the Bloomington Election Commission (BEC) along with Election Commissioners Denise Williams, John LaMarra, and Doug Drilling. League members Chad Kahl and Faith Russell observed corresponding testing at the McLean County Clerk’s Office.

BEC Executive Director Will Nesbitt and Election Analyst Nick Tomaski set up five voting machines that were programmed to cover all precincts within BEC’s authority. Prior to any early voting, uncast ballots were methodically marked to assure at least one vote for each possible candidate or measure, and all types of ballots (paper and electronic) were included. Ballots were tabulated on September 30, 2026. For the machine test, first the ballot total was run to assure zero votes were already recorded. Then, the very same ballots tabulated on September 30 were run again. And the results, as should be, were identical.

It was reassuring to see how well-organized and transparent the election authority is. Staff explained each step of their process and answered all of our many questions. Those who have doubts about election integrity should take advantage of the opportunity to observe public voting machine testing.

McLean County Housing Forum
Nov. 17 Event at St. John's

Find out what is working, what isn't and how you can help about housing in McLean County. Brought to you by the McLean County Housing Coalition and WGLT, the panel will discuss local affordable housing.

Panelists include:
Kelby Cumpston--Bloomington-Normal Community Land Trust
Jeremy Hayes--Bloomington Housing Authority
Robbie Osenga--Catalyst Construction
Luke Talavera--McLean County Regional Planning Commission
Tyler Wiggs--Habitat for Humanity, McLean County

St. John's Lutheran Church
1617 Emerson Street
Bloomington
Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 5:30 p.m.

Calendar of Events

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