Skokie Pro-Referendum Group Holds Town Hall About Ballot Questions

From the Skokie Alliance for Electoral Reform:

The Skokie Alliance for Electoral Reform, a nonpartisan, grassroots ballot initiative group will hold a Town Hall on Sunday, October, 9 from 4pm to 5pm at the Devonshire Cultural Center (4400 Greenwood St, Skokie, IL 60076). The group will share information and answer questions about the three pro-democracy referendums that are on the ballot in Skokie thanks to petitions filed by the Alliance and each signed by approximately 4,000 Skokie voters. Time permitting, volunteers will be available to help residents register and make a plan to vote.

The group aims to answer questions from the electorate about the ways the current electoral system in Skokie stymies competition on the ballot and voter turnout, hinders representation and accountability, and has enabled single-party rule for almost 60 years. In November, Skokie voters will have the opportunity to update Skokie’s unusual and outdated electoral system by eliminating systemic advantages for incumbent parties, leveling the playing field for all candidates, and addressing a historic lack of local representation. By voting yes for all three referendums – Nonpartisan Elections, Staggered Terms, and Hybrid Representation – Skokie voters will be able to take an active role in revitalizing democracy at the local level.

The Skokie Alliance for Electoral Reform is broadly supported by Skokie citizens and endorsed by the local chapters of the League of Women Voters, National Organization for Women, Peace Action, Green Party, 350 Chicago, and more than 10 other local groups, as well as the statewide Independent Voters of Illinois – Independent Precinct Organization. The Alliance has also been endorsed by a broad and growing list of individuals, including faith and community leaders and elected officials such as former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and State Representative Denyse Wang Stoneback.

This release was produced by Skokie Alliance for Electoral Reform. The views expressed here are the author's own.