Elmhurst League Of Women Voters Returns From National Convention

ELMHURST, IL – The League of Women Voters of Elmhurst was represented by local president Sue Whitworth at the League of Women Voters of the United States 53rd National Convention held June 28–July 1 in Chicago. Local vice president Jan Dorner served as a delegate of the state board. According to the league, the convention was hosted by the Leagues of Women Voters of Illinois and Chicago. The event kicked off a two-year celebration of the coming 100th Anniversary in 2020 of women gaining suffrage and the establishment of the League of Women Voters.

Founded in Chicago in 1920, the League of Women Voters is active in all 50 states with more than 750 chapters across the country. According to a release, more than 1,000 keague leaders from 49 states and the District of Columbia attended leadership workshops and heard from guest speakers about League priorities.

Over the four-day convention, delegates voted on the priorities that the organization should focus on. The Campaign for Making Democracy Work® includes ensuring a free, fair, and accessible electoral system for all eligible voters by focusing on voting rights, improving elections, and advocacy for the national popular vote compact, campaign finance/money in politics, and redistricting. According to a release, the league will prioritize legal arguments or defenses necessary to ensure ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment to the US Constitution, which after Illinois’ successful ratification this spring, only requires one more state.

Attendees also heard from Elaine Weiss, author of "The Women’s Hour," at a banquet where leagues were recognized with awards for their work. According to a release, the League of Women Voters of Naperville was awarded the Empowering Voters, Defending Democracy Award in the Community Connection category. The award recognized the “Stroll to the Polls” project which the League spearheaded with Waubonsie Valley and Metea Valley high schools in Aurora. Voter turnout in targeted precincts doubled thanks to their efforts.

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