Empowering Voters - Defending Democracy

The League of Women Voters is a political organization that neither supports nor opposes candidates or parties and encourages informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters of the La Grange Area serves the people of Brookfield, Burr Ridge, Countryside, Indian Head Park, Hinsdale, Hodgkins, La Grange, La Grange Highlands, La Grange Park, Riverside, Western Springs and Westchester.

Debra Shore Looks at Climate Change in the Great Lakes Region

Debra Short believes living in Chicago -- on the shore of the Great Lakes containing 20% of the world’s surface freshwater -- is a gift and a responsibility. “We need to demonstrate our love of the Lakes through caring stewardship and conservation,” she said during a talk hosted by the LWV LaGrange Area at the LaGrange Public Library on February 12. With a focus on conservation, clean air and water, and social justice, Debra Shore has been one of the Midwest’s leading environmental protection advocates for more than 30 years. She served as a commissioner on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) for 15 years, and most recently was the Regional Administrator of the US EPA’s Region 5 from 2021 to January 2025. 

Shore started out in restoration work in the forest preserve as a “way to repair the world,” and she has not given up hope. She cites the once-polluted rivers like the Cuyahoga in Ohio that once burned with toxic chemicals now being clean enough to support fish.  She praised the work done to clean up the Chicago River, once a dumping ground for human waste, but now clean enough to hold an open swim last year. Shore shared “things you can do” to help the planet: do a home water audit to become more water-conscious; rip out your lawn and plant native plants; advocate for policies that promote the reuse of treated water; and  “vote smart” and ask  candidates questions at public meetings.

Join Us for a Discussion of "Abundance"

When - Thursday, February 26, 2026, 7:00-8:30 pm,

Where - La Grange Public Library, 10 W. Cossitt Ave., La Grange

The League of Women Voters® of the La Grange Area will sponsor a book discussion of the New York Times bestselling book “Abundance", by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson. The discussion will be led by LWV members Laurie Braun and Marian Honel-Wilson. The book offers a blueprint for reforming government so it can deliver for working people, providing an indictment of current problems, with a clear path forward. Plan to join us for this discussion! There are numerous online options for learning about “Abundance”, and copies of the book will be available at the La Grange Library front desk after January 22. This event is free of charge and open to the public. For more information, email us at league [at] lagrangearealwv.org.

Artificial Turf - Is It Safe?

When - Thursday, March 12, 2026, 7:00-8:30 pm,

Where - La Grange Public Library, 10 W. Cossitt Ave., La Grange

Our towns and schools are often faced with a decision whether to replace natural grass playing fields with artificial turf. While there are advantages, there are also concerns. The Green Team from PSEG Sustainability Institute at Montclair State University will join us remotely to discuss the results of their study that evaluate the environmental, social, and economic impacts of artificial turf versus natural grass for sports fields. Jenny Bechtold, Executive Director, Park District of La Grange will discuss factors influencing the decision to install artificial turf.

The presentation will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 7:00-8:30 p.m., at the La Grange Public Library, 10 W Cossitt Ave, La Grange, IL 60525. Please register for this event using the following link:  http://tinyurl.com/LWVLGA-Turf. This event is free of charge and open to the public. 

Here's Your March 17th Primary Election Roundup!

Make a Plan at Vote411

https://www.vote411.org/il-lwvlga is your primary source for dates, candidates, polling places and other information.

Watch the Candidate Forum for Illinois House District 8

You can view a video of the January 15th forum hosted by the La Grange League with candidates Shantel Franklin and Latonya Mitts at this location.

Hear Illinois Senatorial Candidates Debate on January 26th.

WBEZ, the Chicago Sun-Times and the University of Chicago Institute of Politics hosted a debate with the three leading Democratic candidates in the March 17 primary for the open U.S. Senate seat to replace outgoing Sen. Dick Durbin. Candidates U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton were participants.  You can see a video of the forum here.

Save the Date - No Kings Protest on March 28

The League of Women Voters is an official partner of this protest. Our local communities need to see the LWV out there -- loud and proud, and defending democracy. We expect that LaGrange will again host a protest, and we will keep you updated about meeting place and time. (Check rally locations here.) 

Leagues are encouraged to engage in nonpartisan, peaceful protest, and members are encouraged to wear LWV gear – buttons, t-shirts, hats, buttons. LWVIL has provided signs that can be downloaded and printed. If you want to bring a homemade sign to represent the League, your slogan should be nonpartisan.

Let’s be safe while we protest – review  the League Safety Guidance before the rally. Watch for more info to come! 

The Border Patrol, ICE, and National Guard: How We Can Stand Up for Democracy in our Communities

On December 11th, The League of Women Voters® of the La Grange Area sponsored a program, offered in partnership with the La Grange Public Library. The program was attended by over 70 community members. Ed Yohnka, Director of Communications at the Illinois American Civil Liberties Union, was the speaker. Mr Yohnka is a well known authority on legal issues being pursued by the ACLU, and presented a lively and interesting program on recent immigration enforcement actions in the Chicago area, covering legal background, precedents, and recent court decisions. The program was followed by penetrating questions from the audience. You can view a video of the program and the Q&A session here.

League Hosts Program on Affordable Housing

On November 19th the League of Women Voters® of the La Grange Areas sponsored a program on affordable housing in our area. People in our western suburbs are clamoring for more affordable housing. Where are the reasonably priced homes, condos, and apartments? Tina Rounds, CEO of BEDSPLUS. helped us all understand the extent of the concern, and the solutions she’s found. Since she began as Chief Executive Officer of BEDS PLUS in 2012, she’s gained a deep understanding of the housing challenges facing struggling area residents. Read the Tribune article here.

Over 80 Attendees at La Grange League's Program on Understanding Project 2025!

On October 29 at the La Grange Library, Jack Bentley, Executive Director of the Citizen Advocacy Council, led an audience of over 80 attendees in a discussion of Project 2025: its historical origins, current goals, and potential impact on our daily lives, helping attendees understand the project’s current leadership and tools to implement its strategies. After a lively intereactive session, Bentley left his audience with key questions and possible actions steps we might undertake now. The CAC is a nonpartisan organization committed to pluralism and individual rights, representative government, and education. You can read the Tribune article here.

LWV of Illinois Releases Fact Checking Resources

In recent years double checking claims made by candidates, PACs, and other information providers has become more necessary than ever. A task force of the Illinois League of Women Voters has released a very useful summary of Web sites and other resources you can use to double check the information that you encounter. You can download the document here.