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.

La Grange LWV to Hold Fall Kickoff on September 5th

The La Grange League of Women Voters will host a kickoff meeting on Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 6:15 p.m.-9:00 p.m, at the Hillgrove Tap, 800 Hillgrove Avenue in Western Springs.  The cost for dinner is $25, payable by check made out to League of Women Voters of the LaGrange Area, or cash at the event.  Drinks ordered from the bar will be paid separately.  Please email amartonffy [at] aol.com no later than Tuesday, September 3rd to register. BONUS: Everyone who registers will receive a *FREE* Vote sign to post in the front yard!

Get Up To Date on Recent Supreme Court Decisions

When - Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 7:00-8:30 p.m

Where - La Grange Park Public Library, 555 N. LaGrange Road, La Grange Park

The League of Women Voters® of the La Grange Area will sponsor a review of recent Supreme Court decisions. LWV LaGrange Area board member, Janice Goldberg, who has closely followed and reported on Supreme Court decisions for many years, will present another informative review of some of SCOTUS' important decisions during its last session (October 2023-June 2024.)   Jan will provide a general retrospective on the cases that were before the Court and discuss a few of them in more detail.

Among these are (1) Trump v. United States --the "Presidential Immunity" case, (2) Snyder v. US --a corruption case that deals with the Mike Madigan trial and sentencing in the ComEd 4 convictions, and (3) Lopez Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo (the Secretary of Commerce) that has huge implications for how federal agencies enforce rules -- known as the "Chevron Deference" Case. This event is free of charge and open to the public. 

A Fair Way To Assess And Manage Stormwater: Learn from Western Springs and our MWRD

When - Tuesday, October 8, 2024, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

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

The League of Women Voters® of the La Grange Area is sponsoring a program on stormwater management and assessment.  Our suburban properties all generate stormwater runoff, some more than others.  But how to share the cost fairly?  Western Springs Deputy Village Manager Casey Biernacki will help us all understand how their village’s Stormwater Utility Fee was proposed, implemented, and received in their village.  How does the Fee equitably assess the cost of runoff, and then redirect the funds to improve the village stormwater management system?  Public Affairs Specialist Patrick Thomas of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District will then zero in on other local stormwater initiatives and on regional stormwater management.  Villages and local organizations concerned with stormwater management should not miss this presentation! This event is free of charge and open to the public.

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.

The Future of Salt Creek and Fullersburg Woods

On June 5th the League of Women Voters® of the La Grange Area sponsored a program about the future of Salt Creek and Fullersburg Woods.  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 discussed the environmental benefits and need for the project, and provided a detailed update on the construction progress including the removal of the dam, selected clearing and vegetation management/restoration, and stream restoration.

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.