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.

Policing in the 21st Century

When - Thursday, May 23, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Where - Brookfield Library, 3541 Park Ave., Brookfield, IL

The League of Women Voters® of the La Grange Area will sponsor a program on "Policing in the 21st Century". The featured speaker will be former Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel, who will be talking about current police issues and other related criminal justice issues. Audience questions will be encouraged! This event is free of charge and open to the public. For more information, email us at league [at] lagrangearealwv.org.

What is the Future of Salt Creek and Fullersburg Woods?

When - June 5, 2024, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Where - Graue House, 3800 York Road, Oak Brook

The League of Women Voters® of the La Grange Area will sponsor a program about the future of Salt Creek and Fullersburg Woods.  Stephen McCracken, Director, DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup (DRSEW) and Deanna Doohaluk, Senior Project Manage, DRSCW, work for the Conservation Foundation. The Master Plan includes enhancements for visitors of the environs of the historic Graue Mill, strategic bank stabilization and extensive removal of invasive vegetation followed by strategic replanting. This presentation will discuss the environmental benefits and need for the project, and provide a detailed update on the construction progress including the removal of the dam, selected clearing and vegetation management/restoration, and stream restoration.

The program will be held on June 5, 2024, from 6:00-7:30 p.m., at the Graue House, 3800 York Road, Oak Brook.   Parking is available in the lot east of York Road. Advance registration is required and is available here. This event is free of charge and open to the public. For more information, email us at league [at] lagrangearealwv.org.

Learn About the Separation of Powers from An Expert

On February 3rd, The League of Women Voters® of the La Grange Area sponsored a program on the separation of powers, featuring Professor Steven D. Schwinn of the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. 

The separation of powers impacts everything from environmental protection to civil rights to consumer financial protection.  This issue is also impacting the Supreme Court—a change that could have numerous implications. You can listen to a recording of this program here.

 Learn About BEDS and Housing Insecurity in La Grange

On February 8th, the League of Women Voters® of the La Grange Area sponsored an informative program on the struggles of housing insecurity.  Erin Molek of BEDS discussed the history of BEDS, the impact of BEDS in the community, and how to get involved. Many individuals and families are teetering on the edge, just one hardship or crisis away from experiencing the uncertainty of housing loss. Together, as a community, we can make a difference. Join us in building a safety net and support system to assist those facing homelessness and housing insecurity. You can listen to a recording of this program here.

How Can We Improve Voter Engagement?

On Feb. 22nd, the League of Women Voters® of the La Grange Area sponsored a community chat with the Lyons township clerk about increasing voter engagement.  Elyse Hoffenberg, The Clerk of the Township of Lyons, sees increasing voter engagement and access as a key priority of her office and discussed past, present, and future plans related to mobilizing more people in our community to vote. She also presented some intriguing data regarding how and why voters engage as the do. You can view her Powerpoint here.