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Several lawsuits claimed the Illinois General Assembly used data from a private think tank rather than the U.S. Census Bureau to draw political district maps in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Watchdog group gives IL lawmakers 'F' for redistricting process

A national watchdog group studied how all 50 states handle the biennial process of redrawing their congressional district lines - and has given Illino…

Accessible voting booths require staff to assist with machine use and collect completed ballots from people who are considered 'print-impaired.' (petrushin1984/Adobe Stock)

Voting for People with Visual Impairments Could Get Easier in IL

A proposed measure in Illinois aims to improve access to the ballot for visually impaired voters. Senate Bill 282, introduced by Sen. Julie Morrison…

According to The Sentencing Project, in 2022 an estimated 4.6 million Americans were ineligible to vote due to laws and policies. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Push for Voting-Restoration Rights for Incarcerated Illinoisans

Groups in Illinois are pushing legislation that would restore voting rights, including for people currently incarcerated. According to Stand Up …

Backers of the Workers' Rights Amendment, approved by voters in 2022, say it will put an end to the existing gaps and exclusions in labor laws by guaranteeing union rights for all Illinois workers. (WH_pics/Adobe Stock)

New Year Brings Wide Variety of New Illinois State Laws

It's a new year, and more than 180 new laws are going into effect, which Illinoisans need to know about. The 2022 General Assembly passed bills …

The Illinois Workers' Right Amendment expands workers' ability to form a union, but opponents say they will likely challenge the measure in court. (Nelos/Adobe Stock)

IL Amendment Expands Workers' Rights to Form Unions, Negotiate

Illinois voters approved a "Workers' Rights Amendment" to the state constitution which broadens the state workforce's rights to collective bargaining…

More than 4.5 million ballots were cast during Illinois's last gubernatorial election in 2018. (Adobe Stock)

IL Lawmakers Weigh Bill to Increase Ballot Access for Visually Impaired

Lawmakers are set to wrap up their work in Springfield today, as Illinois's legislative session comes to a close. Among many items they'll be …

Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who backed a nonpartisan redistricting process on the campaign trail, last June signed into law new House and Senate maps drafted by lawmakers. (Adobe Stock)

Advocate: Fair Redistricting Process in IL Could Curb Power Brokering

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is facing 22 charges of bribery and racketeering. The Chicago Democrat led the chamber for decades…

Illinois is one of many states where lawsuits are either happening or expected around the redistricting process. (dark_blade/Adobe Stock)

Groups Challenge IL Legislative Maps, Cite Voting Rights Act

CHICAGO -- Court hearings in legal challenges to Illinois' proposed legislative maps are underway. Groups are challenging the maps, citing the Voting …

Between 2020 and 2021, the number of LGBTQ elected officials serving across the U.S. increased by 17%. (michaklootwijk/Adobe Stock)

Census Lacks Key Data on LGBTQ Communities for Redistricting

CHICAGO -- Counties, towns and school districts across the state, and the Illinois Legislature, are drawing new voting district maps, with help from …

In 2018, 82% of races for Illinois legislative seats were either uncontested or had challengers whose campaigns were not competitive. (pabrady63/Adobe Stock)

IL Groups: Key to Redistricting is Keeping Communities Together

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The long-awaited, detailed demographic census data is set to be released Thursday, and in Illinois, good-government groups are …

President Joe Biden's American Jobs Plan includes $400 billion for what's known as the

Chicago Home-Care Workers Rally for Better Pay, Benefits

CHICAGO - Home-care workers in Chicago joined a national day of action Tuesday, urging Congress to prioritize funding for what's become known as the …

A new Gallup survey shows more than 60% of Americans say they know

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Juneteenth National Independence Day is now an official holiday, after President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday, approved by …

The pandemic delayed operations at the U.S. Census Bureau, as it developed and prepared COVID-19 safety precautions for census takers. (2020census.gov)

Census Delays Throw Wrench into Illinois Redistricting Process

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Illinois has one of the earliest deadlines for redistricting, the process of redrawing lines for voting districts, which happens …

Good-government reformers want Illinois to follow the example of states that have used citizen initiatives to establish independent commissions for redistricting in recent years. (bizoo_n/Adobe Stock)

Good-Government Groups Wary of Citizen-Initiative Proposal

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Republican lawmakers will propose a series of constitutional amendments they say would give residents a more direct voice in …

Illinois lawmakers passed the Reproductive Health Act in 2019 to ensure continued access to reproductive health, including abortion, regardless of federal court precedent. (Wikimedia Commons)

IL Clinics Prepare for More Patients if Roe v. Wade is Overturned

CHICAGO -- Reproductive health providers in Illinois are preparing for an influx of patients if the 6-3 conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme …

Police say no arrests were made during Wednesday night's

Election Aftermath in Illinois: Speak Out, Avoid Violence

CHICAGO - Social-justice groups are reminding Illinoisans about their rights when it comes to defending democracy. Historic numbers of voters cast …

Chicago-area high school students are phone-banking from home as part of a get-out-the-vote effort. (Adobe Stock)

Chicago High Schoolers Educate Voters on Civic Duty

CHICAGO -- While they can't legally cast a ballot themselves yet, dozens of Illinois high school students are working to ensure that people of voting …

Illinois has nearly two million requests for mail-in-ballots. (AdobeStock)

Ballot Access Still a Challenge for Some Illinoisans with Disabilities

CHICAGO -- The pandemic has pushed the issue of voter access to the forefront, but for Illinois' disability community, it's more than just another …

Trump's "Proud Boys" Comments Spur Unease

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Civil-rights advocates are warning President Donald Trump's debate comments about a group known as Proud Boys could encourage far-…

A recent study found that the blood donations of approximately 2% of donors have antibodies for COVID-19. (Adobe Stock)

Do You Have COVID-19 Antibodies? Donate Blood and Find Out

CHICAGO - Illinoisans who step up to give the gift of life and donate blood right now could very well learn something new about their own health…

A record number of American voters are expected to cast a ballot by mail for the general election. (AdobeStock)

Vote-By-Mail Debate Heats Up in Illinois

CHICAGO -- With fewer than 90 days until the November election, the partisan divide over vote-by-mail appears to be growing in Illinois. To ensure …

The U.S. Census Bureau held off making home visits because of the pandemic, but says it will start contacting Illinoisans who haven't responded for the 2020 Census in the next several weeks. (Adobe Stock)

Census Workers Ready for Door-to-Door Interviews in Illinois

CHICAGO - Census workers will soon be pounding the pavement, reaching out to Illinois households that have not yet responded to the 2020 Census…

The League of Women Voters seeks to empower voters of all genders and political affiliations. (AdobeStock)

Key Defender of Democracy Marks 100th Year

CHICAGO -- August 26 will mark the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed women the right to vote in the United States. And this …

Some analysts predict that just the interest on the U.S. national debt could exceed $1 trillion in a decade. (AdobeStock)

Illinois College Students Call for Action on National Debt

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Some Illinois college students are part of a growing movement to raise awareness of the $23 trillion national debt and …

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 16% of Illinois' current population lives in neighborhoods considered hard to count. (census.gov)

Census Launches Hiring Blitz for 2020 Count Workers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – With less than half a year to go until the 2020 Census, efforts are ramping up in Illinois and other states to ensure an …

One in five Illinoisans lives with a physical or mental disability that affects their daily functioning. (Agence DER/Adobe Stock)

ADA Marks 29 Years with Room for Improvement

CHICAGO – Legislation that has changed the lives of millions of Americans, including nearly one in five Illinoisans, marks its 29th anniversary …

Robert M. Pennoyer, now and at age 19, on the U.S.S. Pensacola at Iwo Jima in 1944 (Courtesy: Robert M. Pennoyer)

WWII Veteran: Ignorance, Indifference Greatest Threats to America

NEW YORK – Seventy-four years after he saw the flag raised on Iwo Jima, a World War II veteran has an Independence Day message for America: The …

Activists gathered in Chicago to speak out against a bill they say intends to silence protestors of oil and gas infrastructure. (The People's Lobby)

Opponents Speak Out Against Illinois "Anti-Protest" Bill

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A bill that would increase penalties for damage to critical infrastructure is making its way through the Illinois …

Some groups say corporate tax loopholes are costing Illinois more than $1 billion in lost revenue each year. (Ken Teegardin/Flickr)

Illinois Tax Day Rally Takes Aim at Corporate Tax Loopholes

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — An alliance of Illinoisans from all walks of life gathered on Tax Day, to call on Gov. J.B. Pritzker to close loopholes …

The fight to reinstate net neutrality soon will move to another phase as the current session of Congress comes to a close. (Wikimedia)

Net Neutrality Groups Push Dems to Get On Board

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The fight in Congress to save net neutrality this year ends as the session ends on Friday - but supporters are pushing U.S. Rep…

As long as you are in line before 7 p.m., you can still cast a ballot today. (Michael Dorausch/Flickr)

Illinoisans Urged to Do Their Homework Before Casting a Ballot

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinoisans have some big choices to make this Election Day. Voters will decide on several statewide races, including who …

Environmentalists worry air pollution could grow worse if protections are reduced. They're also convinced that science needs to play a role in making policy changes. (Pixabay)

EPA Transparency Rule Could Block New Science

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The departure of Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt comes as the agency is trying to implement a …

Illinois State Board of Elections officials estimated that about 76,000 voters may have had their information viewed by hackers during the 2016 elections. (Amanda Castleman/Twenty20)

Illinois to Receive $13.2 Million to Improve Voter Security

DECATUR, Ill. - A spokesman for Illinois elections officials has referred to the state as a "poster child for how to handle cybersecurity" since the …

President Barack Obama signed an order establishing the White House Council on Women and Girls in 2009. (whitehouse.gov)

IL Lawmakers to Vote on Equality Issues

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Human rights dvocates are hoping legislation that would advance the voices of women and the LGBT community will make it as …

More than 844 million people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water. (CDC.gov)

New Steps for Clean Water on Tap

CHICAGO – The 25th United Nations World Water Day is being recognized this week, and advocates are hoping the message that comes with it will …

ADA enforcement essentially relies on people with disabilities challenging violations. (dnv.org)

Advocates Say New ADA Bill Could Weaken It

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A bill in Congress aimed at strengthening the Americans with Disabilities Act may not be what it seems, according to its …

The Dynegy Energy power plant above the Middle Fork of the Vermillion River operated from the 1950s to 2011. (prairierivers.org)

Environmental Groups Sue to Protect Scenic River

OAKWOOD, Ill. — Illinois is home to only one National Scenic River: the Middle Fork of the Vermillion River. And environmental groups say it's …

Marchers across the globe hope to empower more women to run for political office. (marchtothepolls.org)

Women Across Globe March on Polls

CHICAGO – Those trying to call attention to issues such as health care, immigration and women's rights will be filling hundreds of cities …

The number of young people locked up in Illinois has dropped by more than 60 percent in the past few years. (Rainerzufall1234/Wikimedia Commons)

Can Music Be Deterrent to Juvenile Crime?

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – There has been a dramatic drop in the number of young people being committed to prison in Illinois and across the nation…

Harassment is in the spotlight in Hollywood and in the Illinois Capitol. (illinois.gov)

IL Lawmakers to Attend Sexual-Harassment Awareness Training

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State lawmakers in Illinois will have to attend sexual harassment awareness training. This after Majority Caucus Chair Ira …

Residents have been speaking out at forums on the Illinois budget crisis. (aarp.org)

Impacts of Late Budget Widespread in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Even though Illinois lawmakers approved a long overdue state budget over the summer, the effects of not having one for so …

Several groups in Illinois are encouraging more women to run for office. (il.gov)

Grassroots Movement to Put First Female Governor in Office

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – There's an effort underway to get more women to run for political office in Illinois. She Votes Illinois is a grassroots …

The debate over the Second Amendment has been reignited after the mass shooting in Las Vegas. (cdc.gov)

Anti-Violence Groups Seeing Surge in Membership After Vegas

NORTHBROOK, Ill. -- As the country mourns the loss of life at the hands of a gunman in Las Vegas this month, and the debate rages about gun control…

Nonprofit groups that assist immigrants in Illinois are answering questions for those concerned about the DACA renewal process. (Resurrection Project)

Some in IL Scramble to Meet DACA Deadline This Week

CHICAGO - There's an important deadline this week for thousands of "Dreamers" across the state. Thursday is the last day to apply for renewal under …

Anchor Staffing on Chicago's South Side has benefited from a partnership between large and small businesses. (Joyce Johnson)

Small Illinois Businesses Benefit from Big Partnerships

CHICAGO -- They’re called anchor institutions: organizations like hospitals and universities that have developed deep roots in their communities…

The People's Lobby is calling on federal lawmakers to implement a fair bail system. (Tom Gaulke)

Call for Bail Reform Across Illinois

CHICAGO – Now that a judge in Cook County has ruled that a court can't set bail amounts that people can't afford, advocates want that order …

Illinois is ranked 48th when it comes to its legal climate. (instituteforlegalreform.com)

Illinois' Legal Climate at All-Time Low

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- A new report says if Illinois wants to attract and keep businesses, it needs to lose its reputation for having an open door to …

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner signed the Trust Act for immigrants recently but won't get involved in the fight over DACA. (il.gov)

IL Gov Won't Get Involved in DACA Issue

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Children of undocumented immigrants, the so-called Dreamers, who live in Illinois aren't going to see action by the state …

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IL: Civic Engagement & Voting