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.

Save the Date - No Kings Protest on March 28

When - 9:30-11 a.m. 

Where - Willow Springs Road in Western Springs between 50th Street and 53rd Place 

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. The League will meet at 9 a.m. in front of The Corral, 4949 Willow Springs Rd.

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!

Discussion of the book, Democracy Awakening, by Heather Cox Richardson

When - Thursday evening, April 16, 7:00-8:30pm

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

At a time when we can see so many challenges to our democracy, author Heather Cox Richardson gives us a historical perspective. In her book Democracy Awakening, Richardson explains how, over the decades, a small group of wealthy people have made war on American ideals, leading us into authoritarianism.

Please plan to join us as we explore her observations! Copies of the book are available at the front desk of the La Grange Library reserved under LWV of La Grange beginning March 16.

Join Us for Our Spring Luncheon on May 16th

When - Saturday, May 16, 11:30-2:30 pm

Where - Dole Hall, Plymouth Place, 315 N. La Grange Road, La Grange Park

Join the La Grange Area League for a buffet lunch, followed by a presentation. The La Grange LWV is pleased to present Judge Daniel Jasica of the Lake County Chancery Court as our speaker. Judge Jasica will discuss how people become judges, the appellate process, state v. federal courts, judicial independence and ethics, and the function of a chancery court. Plymouth Place residents are welcome to attend this presentation.

To register in advance, contact Andrea Martonffy: amartonffy [at] aol.com. The $35 contribution includes a buffet lunch.

Artificial Turf - Is It Safe?

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 joined us remotely to discuss the results of their study that evaluated the environmental, social, and economic impacts of artificial turf versus natural grass for sports fields. Jenny Bechtold, Executive Director, Park District of La Grange discussed factors influencing the District's decision to install artificial turf. You can view a recording of the program here. 

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.

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.