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Date: 8/19/2025
Subject: The Voter August 2025
From: League of Women Voters of McLean County



August 2025
Calendar of Events             
 

Community Engagement and Feedback Opportunity
More on McLean County Mental Health Services
by Judy Buchanan
 
Editor's Note: This article follows up on our July 29 News Blast article about recent discussions of mental health funding through a county sales tax. Today, Judy Buchanan and Sally Rudolph, who are actively involved and following this, offer the promised information about how you can participate in the Behavioral Health Action Plan update efforts.
 
You are invited to join the conversation and engage in a facilitated discussion about what the McLean County Behavioral Health Action Plan intends to accomplish and how it will be stewarded by the Behavioral Health Coordinating Council. Originally adopted in 2015, the Action Plan, formerly the McLean County Mental Health Action Plan, continues to be a "living document" and a road map for moving forward focused on improving the behavioral health of McLean County residents.
 
The Behavioral Health Coordinating Council, established as an independent body, serves to improve behavioral health through greater inter-agency communication, coordination, and collaboration among both public and private entities. Among its duties is the review and update of the Behavioral Health Action Plan. 
 
The League is participating with the McLean County Behavioral Health Coordinator and Heartland Community College to provide four feedback and engagement sessions. Attendees will include League members and other interested citizens. The sessions are intended to present the Plan and solicit community insight, input and observations about the plan. Scheduled for the month of September, you can choose one from the four scheduled sessions. 
 
 
Register now for yourself and your guests. Choose one of the four sessions.

Call For Nominations ~ Florence Fifer Bohrer Award
by Beth Porter
 
The League's Florence Fifer Bohrer Award is presented annually to an individual or couple who exemplify the spirit of Florence Fifer Bohrer through their generous and selfless commitment to our community and to others.
 
Submit your nomination by September 10 using the form linked below. The award will be presented at our October 9 Fall program. (Be sure you've saved the date!) 
 
 
Get inspired to make a nomination, by learning more about Florence Fifer Bohrer and past award recipients. 
 

President's Message
by Chad Kahl
 
As the chapter president for 2025-26, I want to share a little bit about myself.
 
I'm a Central Illinoisian who grew up in Chillicothe. I live in Bloomington with my wife, Stephanie, and my son, who is heading back to college for his sophomore year. I'm a librarian at Illinois State University's Milner Library and have been active in campus civic engagement efforts for over 20 years. 
 
Although I've been a League member on and off for years, I became very active as Director of Voter Services for the past two-and-a-half years. Given my background, you are likely not surprised to hear I have a special interest in making sure our young people get registered to vote and become active in the election and voting process. You've seen that in recent years with the outreach we've done in high schools and colleges.
 
Youth Civic Engagement is the theme of our fall event on Thursday, October 9. There are more details to follow, but you will hear from those doing civic engagement work with youth, and learn about a program I'd like us to consider developing. I hope to see you at a League activity very soon.

Election Authorities Study Update
Your Questions Answered!
by Diana Hauman
 
"Why are there two election commissions?" "It says 'City of Bloomington' on the outside of the building and now you're sending me to another building?" These are only two of the questions election judges field during early voting and sometimes on election day.
 
The League of Women Voters of McLean County is studying our two election authorities -- the Bloomington Election Commission and the McLean County Clerk's office. We will explore ways to reduce candidate and voter confusion about our two election authorities, work to understand current election practices, and look for ways to improve efficiency in administrative functions.
 
After our August 5 press release, we had responses from several media outlets. WGLT had a seven-minute story and the Pantagraph had an article about our study. (Links below.) We continue to make the public aware of this study through public comments at the City of Bloomington and Town of Normal council meetings, at the County Board meeting, and at the Bloomington Election Commission.
 
LWV Community Outreach
Media Coverage
 
Pantagraph Online Story
WEEK 25 News Story

Last Call ~ Project XV Museum Tour
Saturday, Aug. 23

Here’s your chance to learn more about David Strother, the first person of color to cast his vote in the state. On Saturday, August 23, join other league members as we tour the Project XV Museum in El Paso.

See our event page (link below) for tour details and to register. Tour begins at 1:30 PM. 
Car pooling will be available.
 

Welcome to Our Newest July Member!
By Beth Porter
 
Jeri Green

Remembering Dalene Kuebler
 
Dear Members,
We are saddened to share the news of the passing of fellow League member Dalene Kuebler. While Dalene had not been active in recent years, we recognized and honor her past affiliation with our group. You may read her obituary here.
 
Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this time.
 
Sincerely,
Beth Porter
Membership Director

Aug. 26 Mahomet Aquifer Meeting Cancelled
 
CANCELLATION: The Illinois Peoples Action-sponsored meeting planned for August 26 at 7 PM, published in our last News Blast, has been cancelled. 

LWV in the News

Read LWVUS public statements about our actions to defend democracy.
 
 
Read LWVIL published news and media coverage. 
 


League of Women Voters of McLean County

P.O. Box 932, Normal, IL 61761

Email: info@lwvmclean.org

Web: lwvmclean.org


Email: info@lwvmclean.org

League of Women Voters of McLean County 

PO Box 932 

Normal, IL 61761