The Sentinel: League of Women Voters of Illinois

SAVE Act faces scrutiny as advocates warn of voter suppression risks

A new voting bill could make name changes a voting hurdle for many women. Illinois leaders are speaking out.

SNS - A newly revived federal voting bill is drawing renewed scrutiny, especially in Illinois, where voting rights advocates warn it could create significant barriers to ballot access.

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which passed the U.S. House last week with unanimous Republican support and four Democratic votes, would require all voters to present proof of U.S. citizenship — such as a passport or birth certificate — when registering or updating their registration. The bill now awaits consideration in the Senate, though no vote has been scheduled.

This is not the first time the legislation has surfaced. A previous version passed the House during the last session of Congress but stalled in the then-Democratic-controlled Senate.

Proponents of the SAVE Act argue it is essential for protecting the integrity of elections by ensuring that only American citizens can cast ballots. However, critics see it as a thinly veiled attempt to suppress voter participation under the guise of security. The League of Women Voters of Illinois (LWVIL) delivered that message directly to lawmakers during a subject matter hearing before the Illinois House Ethics and Elections Committee on April 22 in Springfield.

Kathy Cortez, LWVIL’s Vice President for Issues and Advocacy, testified that the legislation risks disenfranchising large swaths of the voting population by introducing new hurdles that disproportionately affect low-income individuals, women, and others who may have difficulty assembling documentation.

No citizen should have to make the choice between meeting their basic needs and exercising the right to vote

“We believe every citizen should be protected in the right to vote, and that electoral systems should encourage participation and enhance representation for all voters,” Cortez said. “The League of Women Voters opposes the SAVE Act because, by imposing inequitable economic and administrative requirements, the bill would create unnecessary barriers to voting participation.”

A major point of concern raised during the hearing was the bill’s disproportionate impact on women. Cortez explained that because many women in Illinois changed their names after marriage, the SAVE Act would require them — and not men — to produce documentation of name changes through marriage, divorce, or remarriage in order to vote.

The League also highlighted the financial implications of the legislation. For many residents living paycheck to paycheck, obtaining official documents like certified birth certificates or divorce decrees could present a real hardship.

“No citizen should have to make the choice between meeting their basic needs and exercising the right to vote,” Cortez said. “We believe that even one individual losing their ability to vote because they could not afford to comply with the requirements of the SAVE Act is one voter too many.”

Despite their opposition to the measure, LWVIL expressed a willingness to support voters if the bill becomes law. With a statewide network and long-standing relationships with Illinois' 108 election authorities, the League says it is prepared to help residents navigate any new requirements.

As the debate continues, Illinois remains a microcosm of a broader national conversation — one that pits concerns over election integrity against the practical realities of access and participation.

ACLU and League of Women Voters of Illinois voice opposition to latest Trump Executive Order

CHICAGO - On Tuesday, March 25, President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing the national mail voter registration form to require documentary proof of citizenship, such as a passport, to register to vote.

The order threatens to withhold federal funding from states that count mail ballots received after Election Day, which is permitted under Illinois law. Overall, the executive order attempts to overhaul federal elections by making it harder for Americans to vote through unnecessary procedures verifying citizenship status and voting eligibility. The E.O. also affects uniformed and overseas voters' ability to cast their ballots in an election.

The American Civil Liberties Union immediately condemned the order on Tuesday, saying it would disenfranchise millions of eligible voters and make the process more cumbersome. The ACLU said in a statement, "This directive represents a significant overreach of executive power and poses a direct threat to the fundamental right to vote."

Around the nation, other voting rights advocate groups voiced their disapproval. The League of Women Voters of Illinois and the ACLU of Illinois released the following joint statement:

As organizations who have worked tirelessly to advance and expand access to the ballot across Illinois for many years, we condemn the President’s blatant overreach aimed at changing the progress we have made in our state. Donald Trump would disenfranchise millions of eligible voters – based on the lie that non-citizens are voting in large numbers. This executive order – like so many of Trump’s efforts – is blatantly illegal and attempts to substitute the conspiracy theories of the Trump White House for good policy measures we have adopted in Illinois.

With less than a week before voters across the State of Illinois go to the ballot box in critical important elections, no one should be confused or misled: the President’s order does not impact the ability of people to vote by mail or register on election day in our state for these elections. We encourage everyone who is eligible to participate and vote for candidates who reflect their values in these important local elections.

We encourage any voters with questions to call the non-partisan Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (English), 888-VE-Y-VOTA (Spanish), 888-API-VOTE (Asian languages), or 844-YALLA-US (Arabic).

"President Trump's executive order attempting to require documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration and restrict the acceptance of mail-in ballots received after Election Day, among other measures, is a blatant overreach that threatens to disenfranchise tens of millions of eligible voters," Sophia Lin Lakin, the director of the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project. "This measure will no doubt disproportionately impact historically-excluded communities, including voters of color, naturalized citizens, people with disabilities, and the elderly, by pushing unnecessary barriers to the fundamental right to vote. We will do everything in our power to stop this unconstitutional attack on the right to vote to ensure that every eligible American can participate in our democracy. We will see President Trump in court."

The Order directs the Attorney General to prohibit states from counting mail ballots received after Election Day in elections for President, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House. States that do not comply with the executive order would be subject to funding cuts by Election Assistance Commission.

The executive order states, after citing examples of election procedures in other countries, that "Free, fair, and honest elections unmarred by fraud, errors, or suspicion are fundamental to maintaining our constitutional Republic. The right of American citizens to have their votes properly counted and tabulated, without illegal dilution, is vital to determining the rightful winner of an election."

Past audits and studies have shown that cases of voter fraud in American elections are rare.

President Trump's order requires states to remove noncitizens from voter rolls. Federal agencies must share data with states, such as immigration and Social Security records, to facilitate states checking voter eligibility. It also insists that states and federal agencies share data to prosecute election crimes, potentially violating individual privacy. The order grants federal agencies, including the head of the Department of Government Efficiency team, access to check state rolls "for consistency with Federal requirements."

Another provision states that when submitting the national mail voter registration form to register or update their information, the only acceptable proof of citizenship are a passport or a REAL ID, military ID, or other valid government ID indicating citizenship. Only about half of Americans have a U.S. passport, and currently, only five states—Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington—offer enhanced driver's licenses that show proof of citizenship.

The order also authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and the DOGE Administrator to review each state’s voter registration list for "consistency with Federal requirements." As part of this requirement, the E.O. allows DHS and DOGE to subpoena state records at their discretion.

While civil liberties and voting rights groups mobilize, many legal experts argue that President Trump lacks the authority through the use of an executive order to make such changes, asserting that the order violates existing federal voting statutes.

League of Women Voters to host peaceful protest around Illinois

CHICAGO - Local chapters of the League of Women Voters of Illinois will host community protests and rallies in five cities across Illinois tomorrow, March 4. The goal is to bring people together in solidarity during the president's address to Congress on Tuesday.

Donald Trump will deliver the first joint congressional address of his second presidency on Tuesday at 9 p.m. EST. While not a State of the Union address, the president is expected to announce his goals for the year and accomplishments as he starts his second term before a packed House chamber.

LWVIL says the events around the state are being held to "offer a peaceful and unified space to come together for the health of our democracy, the future of our nation, and the well-being of all its people."

Gatherings will be held in Batavia, downtown Chicago, Naperville, Rockford, and at the Courthouse Plaza in Peoria.

"Defending democracy is our mission," Becky Simon, president of the League of Women Voters of Illinois, said in a release today, stressing an "urgent" need for peaceful protest during this administration. "The League’s spirit to act and fight for our democracy is exactly the courage we need to defend our constitutional republic."

Kathy Cortez, LWVIL vice president for issues and advocacy, noted that "The League has been defending democracy for 105 years, and we are just getting started."

League of Women Voters of Illinois protests will take place on Tuesday, March 4, at the following locations:

Batavia: 7:30 pm, Calvary Episcopal Church, 222 S Batavia Ave, Batavia, IL 60510
Chicago: 7:30 pm, Federal Plaza, 50 S. Adams St, Chicago, IL 60604
Rockford: 7:00 pm, Rockford City Hall, 425 East State Street, Rockford, 61104
Naperville: 4:30 pm, Washington Street Overpass by 5th Avenue Train Station, 105 E 4th Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540
Peoria: 7:30 pm, Peoria County Courthouse Plaza, 324 Main Street, Peoria IL 61602

Voting in Illinois: Ensuring election integrity and voting security

URBANA - As election season approaches, understanding the voting process in Illinois is crucial for making informed choices. The state takes significant measures to ensure that voting and ballot counting systems are secure, reliable, and transparent.

Election officials in Illinois regularly conduct tests on voting and ballot counting machines, performing “logic and accuracy” tests to confirm that votes for every candidate and issue on the ballot are counted correctly. These tests are standard practice across almost all states, aimed at preserving the integrity of the electoral process.

In Illinois, all voting systems must be certified by the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) or tested by an EAC-accredited Voting System Test Laboratory before use. The state's ballot handling procedures are designed to protect against both intentional and unintentional ballot destruction, ensuring the integrity of both mail-in and in-person voting.

Prior to and following elections, Illinois conducts thorough testing of voting equipment and ballot counting processes, which are open for public observation. Post-election audits, including risk-limiting audits, are also performed to verify that vote counts are accurate, reinforcing public trust in the results.

"Election officials implement ballot processing and tabulation safeguards designed to ensure each ballot cast in the election can be correctly counted," explained Becky Simon, President of the League of Women Voters of Illinois. "These safeguards include chain of custody procedures, auditable logging requirements, and canvass processes. Illinois safeguards mail ballots by verifying signatures, tracking barcodes, and setting clear chains of custody for all ballots."

Amidst these safeguards, voters should remain vigilant against false claims regarding election results. Disinformation can spread quickly, often fueled by individuals seeking to undermine confidence in the democratic process. If you encounter misleading information online, you can report it at reportdisinfo.org. It is essential to respect all votes cast, regardless of the outcome.

Every election, organizations like the League of Women Voters play a pivotal role in equipping voters with essential information. By sponsoring candidate forums and providing resources like IllinoisVoterGuide.org, they help ensure that voters are prepared to make their voices heard.

In the lead-up to elections, it’s common for voters to receive calls and texts from political groups, urging them to support specific candidates or measures. However, it is important to be aware of potential scams that exploit these tactics. Here are some red flags to watch for:

Be cautious if a caller or texter requests personal information, such as your Social Security number. They may falsely claim you can vote early by phone or fix nonexistent errors in your voter registration.
Avoid sharing credit card or financial information over the phone, especially if the caller offers seemingly free gifts in exchange for participation in surveys.
If asked to donate over the phone, verify the legitimacy of the request by asking for a website where you can find more information.

Being informed and vigilant is key to participating in a secure electoral process. As voters in Illinois prepare for the upcoming elections, knowing how to navigate the system and protect oneself against misinformation and scams is more important than ever.

Keywords: Voting in Illinois, Election integrity, Ballot counting process, Voter information, Election disinformation, Protect against election scams

A threat to democracy, fighting back against voter suppression and intimidation

SNS - The right to vote is legally protected from intimidation and harassment. Federal law makes it a crime to intimidate, harass, or deceive voters at home or at the polls.

Voter suppression is any attempt to prevent or discourage certain Americans from registering to vote or casting their ballot. It is any act that deliberately restricts or discourages certain groups from voting, undermining electoral fairness. You may not be threatened, coerced, frightened, assaulted, compelled, or discouraged to vote one way or another, or not to vote at all. The right to vote necessarily includes the right to be free from intimidation and harassment.

“A true democracy is where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge, and the confidence to participate,” said Becky Simon, president of the League of Women Voters of Illinois. “We encourage you to join the League of Women Voters of Illinois in our fight to support everyone’s freedom to vote.”

After the Civil War, African Americans in the former Confederacy were able to exercise their newly won rights to vote; to run for local, state, and federal offices; and to serve on juries. These rights were given and protected by federal laws and the 14th and 15th Amendments. The laws, adopted to curtail white supremacist violence, specifically criminalized the terrorist activities of white supremacist organizations such as the Ku Klux Klan and authorized the use of federal troops to protect polling stations and suppress white supremacist violence.

Over time, white supremacists found other ways to control voting in their towns, counties, and states without direct physical violence. Political parties have used five key methods to suppress voting by targeted groups: voter ID laws, gerrymandering, voter purges, felony disenfranchisement, and criminalizing voting through the arbitrary enforcement of oppressive, unfair laws.

Today, experts warn that voter suppression and intimidation trends are moving to the digital spaces, becoming embedded in technology.

"It might include robocalls and social media posts that provide incorrect information about where to vote or promote the false idea that voters' personal information or ballot choices will be shared with the government, the public, or law enforcement," wrote the League of Women Voters of Illinois in a recent statement.

The League of Women Voters of Illinois (LWVI) is fighting voter suppression and intimidation by mailing thousands of Get Out the Vote postcards, deploying nonpartisan poll watchers throughout the state, observing public testing of voting equipment, and actively fighting misinformation and disinformation.

According to the ACLU, "More than 400 anti-voter bills have been introduced in 48 states. These bills erect unnecessary barriers for people to register to vote, vote by mail, or vote in person."

What should you do if you witness voter suppression or intimidation? Document incidents thoroughly using your phone (outside the polling place) or by taking notes. If your voter registration is denied at your polling place, you may ask a poll worker to double-check your registration, and you may still cast a provisional ballot.

The LWVI recommends that you avoid engaging with groups or individuals who are actively trying to intimidation fellow voters and immediately reported to the Illinois State Board of Elections at 217-782-4141 or the Election Protection Hotline:

English: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
Spanish: 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682)
Asian Languages: 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683)
Arabic: 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287)

League of Women's Voters to discuss recent SCOTUS decision on Social Media Censorship

CHICAGO - Does the First Amendment allow U.S. government officials to intervene and prevent the spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media?

Jill Wine-Banks, a distinguished attorney and MSNBC Legal Analyst known for her prominence in political and legal discourse, is scheduled to speak about the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent action on social media censorship. This virtual event will take place on Tuesday, August 20, at 7 p.m. via Zoom. The program is free and is presented by the League of Women Voters of Illinois’ Mis/Disinformation Task Force.

The U.S. Supreme Court recently had an opportunity to rule on this question. Instead, they declined to issue decisions in two cases, punting them back to officials in Texas and Florida.

Among her many accomplishments, Wine-Banks was named General Counsel of the U.S. Army by President Carter, where she supervised what was, in essence, the world's largest law firm.

She started her legal career as the first woman to serve as an organized crime prosecutor at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. Four years later, she was selected to be one of the three Assistant Watergate Special Prosecutors in the obstruction of justice trial against President Nixon's top aides. Nixon was named an unindicted co-conspirator in that case, but the evidence presented led to Nixon’s resignation.

In 2014, she was named by the Secretary of Defense to the Judicial Proceedings Panel’s Subcommittee on Sexual Assault in the military, where she served until 2017. She was also the first woman to serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the American Bar Association.

Those who wish to join the online talk can register for the event here.

To tackle the concerning increase in misinformation and disinformation, particularly its impact on our elections, the League of Women Voters of Illinois established the Mis/Disinformation Task Force in January 2024. The goal of the task force is to educate the public about misinformation and disinformation. For more information, please visit lwvil.org/misdis-info.

League of Women Voters of Illinois hosting lecture on AI and misinformation

CHICAGO – Diane Chang will give a Zoom talk concerning strategies on how to protect and secure democracy in an age of threats from social media and AI for a virtual meeting of the League of Women Voters of Illinois (LWVIL) on Wednesday, April 17.

Addressing the rise of misinformation and disinformation — and its impact on our elections — the League of Women Voters of Illinois formed the Mis/Disinformation Task Force in January 2024 with their mission to educate the general public on mis/disinformation.

Diane Chang

Chang, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the Brown Institute for Media Innovation at Columbia Journalism School and the former head of Election Integrity and Product Strategy at Meta, will discuss her experience building artificial intelligence and consumer technology products that connect people to information, safety, and sustainability. She led Meta’s election strategy integrity and product strategy from 2021–23.

In her current position at the Brown Institute, Ms. Chang is an advisor and consultant to nonprofits in the U.S. and abroad on technology and elections. She has a master’s degree in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School Research Institute at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass.

Organized by LWVIL’s Misinformation and Disinformation Task Force, the event is the second in a series of presentations where noted authorities will discuss topics that inform and educate voters starting at 7 p.m. The webinar is free and open to the public. All programs are recorded and made available on the LWVIL website.

Visit lwvil.org/misdis-info for more information or to register.