Today, Common Cause Illinois and The League of Women Voters of Chicago (LWV Chicago) announced a powerful alliance to establish the largest nonpartisan election protection program in the Chicago area.
The expanded Election Protection Program will train volunteers as poll-watchers to support all aspects of the election process. Both organizations aim to respond to the critical need to involve youth and young adults across the city, providing them with opportunities to serve their community through electoral engagement. 

Volunteer training will begin in August. Training sessions will continue throughout August and September, preparing Chicago for the pivotal election in November. 

The new initiative is part of the national nonpartisan Election Protection Coalition led by Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, which runs the largest and longest-operating nonpartisan voter protection coalition best known for its 866-OUR-VOTE hotline. 

Common Cause Illinois has been an integral part of the Illinois Election Protection program, in collaboration with Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights. With the 2024 election fast approaching, the imperative to protect voter rights and ensure the integrity of our democratic process has never been more urgent.  

The Illinois Election Protection is part of the national nonpartisan Election Protection coalition, led by Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, which runs the largest and longest-operating nonpartisan voter protection coalition. It is best known for the 866-OUR-VOTE hotline, and https://866ourvote.org/, operated by Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, which also leads a non-partisan poll watching program for legal volunteers. 

“Democracy works best when voters are engaged and when organizations work together to provide access to the ballot and to help resolve any voting issues. That’s why we are thrilled to join forces with the League of Women Voters of Chicago to launch the city’s largest nonpartisan election protection program in the city,” said Agnes Gray, Community Engagement Organizer for Common Cause Illinois.

For decades, LWV Chicago has led a formidable poll-watching volunteer effort, complemented by their comprehensive voter registration and education initiatives, to ensure every voter’s voice is heard.  

“The League has collaborated regularly with Common Cause Illinois to defend our democracy and voting rights, from City Council initiatives to election protection efforts,” said LWV Chicago President Jane Ruby. “We are thrilled about this official partnership to support election integrity, boost voter turnout, and make voting as fair and simple as possible this November.”  

This increased partnership will train volunteers to assist in all parts of the election process. Going beyond their member base, both organizations emphasize the need to provide opportunities for youth and young adults throughout the city to engage in the electoral process through serving their community.

 Anyone interested in volunteering can sign up here. All Chicago region residents are welcome, and encouraged to participate.  

About Common Cause Illinois 

Common Cause Illinois is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process. 

About the League of Women Voters of Chicago 

The League of Women Voters of Chicago (LWV Chicago) is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. We empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy and education. 

The League of Women Voters of Chicago encourages informed and active participation in government while influencing public policy. We never endorse or oppose political parties or candidates, but we are political. LWV Chicago is a 501(c)(3) organization.