Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.

Advocacy Campaigns
Chicagoans deserve a people-powered democracy! We can have a government that represents all of us and supports what our communities need, not what big-money donors and special interests want.
Buildings account for nearly 70% of greenhouse gases emitted in Chicago. We’re working to pass the Clean & Affordable Buildings Ordinance (CABO), which would fight climate change by setting emissions standards so that new buildings would be all-electric.
Let’s improve Chicago elections! LWV Chicago is fighting to establish Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) system for municipal elections in the City of Chicago.
Let’s increase City Council transparency! LWV Chicago is fighting for an amendment to City Council rules that would ensure legislative items are posted for the public to see and sent to all City Council members at least 48 hours before a City Council Committee meets to consider the items.
Tired of Styrofoam® on the takeout menu? We’re fighting to pass Illinois legislation that would impose a ban on single-use polystyrene foam foodware in Illinois.
Chicago’s lofty environmental goals will not be accomplished without massive coordination efforts. It’s long past time to reestablish Chicago’s Department of Environment.
ONGOING: We’re calling on Chicago’s City Council to pass legislation empowering an independent commission to draw new ward maps in 2031.
SUCCESS! LWV Chicago was a proud supporter of the 2022 referendum to VOTE YES for funding the Cook County Forest Preserves. Thanks to Cook County voters, this referendum was approved in the November 2022 General Election.
SUCCESS! Many Cook County Jail detainees have the right to vote but aren’t registered to vote or provided with voter information. The League has helped register thousands of detainees and aided in conducting actual voting inside the jail.
SUCCESS! Ida B. Wells spent half her remarkable life in Chicago, standing up against racist violence, economic injustice, and school segregation. See how LWV Chicago spearheaded efforts for Ida B. Wells Drive.