March 30, 2023
In this Issue: Make a Plan to Vote by Tuesday, April 4 ● Statement on Women’s History Month From Lake Dems Chair Lauren Beth Gash ● 2023 IDCCA Party Builder Awards Reception ● Ramadan Kareem ● American Library Association Report: Book Challenges Nearly Doubled from 2021 ● Lake County Democrats Urge Waukegan Residents to Vote No on Ballot Question ● Lake Dems Hosts The Nuts and Bolts of Campaign Finance Filing ● Volunteers Write Postcards to Support Allena Barbato for College of Lake County Trustee ● Lake Villa Dems St. Patrick’s Day Parade ● Volunteer Spotlight ● ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) ● Upcoming Events
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Make a Plan to Vote by Tuesday, April 4
Did you know that off-year municipal elections are historically low turnout elections? Your vote really matters, as numerous candidates espousing right-wing views are on the ballot this year. One of them even took part in the January 6 insurrection!
Election Day is next Tuesday, April 4. You may still register to vote during Early Voting at any Early Voting site, or on Election Day at your home polling place. If you register during Early Voting or on Election Day and want to vote in the current election, you must vote at the same time. You will need two forms of identification, one of which must show your current Lake County address. Check out this list for what is acceptable.
If you have any questions about registering to vote or voting in the April 4 election, call the Lake County Democrats’ Voter Assistance Hotline at 847-432-8683.
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Statement on Women’s History Month From Lake Dems Chair Lauren Beth Gash
During Women’s History Month, Lake Dems honors the amazing achievements of women throughout history who have helped shape our democracy. And we recognize the substantial work that remains in our nation, our state, and our county.
President Biden’s proclamation on Women’s History Month celebrates the countless women in history who fought tirelessly to secure fundamental rights based on one simple idea – that all people are created equal. (See what this administration has already done and what it is working to accomplish in the future. Also, visit WomensHistoryMonth.gov to see more about the vital contribution of women in our nation’s history.)
Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to run for a major party nomination for President of the United States said, “At present, our country needs women’s idealism and determination, perhaps more in politics than anywhere else.” Chisholm’s quote from 1972 is just as relevant today.
We’ve come a long way, but there’s still so much more to do! Today, women make up just 28% of Congress and a woman is still paid less for doing the same job as a man. Meanwhile, the right-wing Republican assault on reproductive health and so much more is intensifying. Right here in Lake County we are fighting the mega-MAGA Republicans who want to take over school boards, library boards, and more. They want to take us backwards. But we won’t go back!
We’ve worked hard to turn much of Lake County blue. Here in Lake County, we’ll keep up our work to elect Democrats who share our values. Women and our allies have a powerful voice.
Let’s stand together and help ensure that every person from every background is allowed to reach their full potential with equal rights, opportunities, and representation.
-Lauren Beth Gash
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2023 IDCCA Party Builder Awards Reception
Party Builder Awardees gather at the 2023 Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association (IDCCA) Party Builder Awards Reception on Monday, March 27 at the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters. Pictured (l-r): Mark Guethle, Kevin Conlon, Lauren Beth Gash, Michael Macellaio, Deborah Cosey-Lane, Kristina Zahorik, William McNary, Toni Preckwinkle.arty Builder Awardees gather at the 2023 Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association (IDCCA) Party Builder Awards Reception on Monday, March 27 at the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters. Pictured (l-r): Mark Guethle, Kevin Conlon, Lauren Beth Gash, Michael Macellaio, Deborah Cosey-Lane, Kristina Zahorik, William McNary, Toni Preckwinkle.
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Ramadan Kareem
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Ramadan is considered one of the holiest months for Muslims and is a reflective time of worship, prayer, helping others, and spending time with loved ones.
We wish the blessings of this holy month to our friends who observe Ramadan.
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Lake County Democrats Urge Waukegan Residents to Vote No on Ballot Question
Voters in Waukegan will find a referendum question on their ballot that asks “Shall the City of Waukegan adopt a managerial form of municipal government?” Sounds fine, right? Unfortunately, under state law, if the referendum passes, wards will be automatically eliminated. That means aldermen will run city-wide and no longer represent neighborhoods.
The wards, with their local community voices, would be replaced by an at-large block voting system progressive U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg cited as “racial gerrymandering.” For that reason, the Lake County Democratic Central Committee voted early this month to recommend a No vote on this question.
We are urging Waukegan residents to vote NO on this. An article about the press conference held Tuesday April 4 to address the issue is below. We encourage you to post this link on your social media.
If you can help, sign up to phone bank at home or at our Waukegan Lake County Democrats Headquarters by replying to info@lakedems.org.
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Lake Dems Hosts The Nuts and Bolts of Campaign Finance Filing
When: Wednesday, April 12 at 6pm
Where: Online via Zoom. Register here
What: Free seminar about how to comply with campaign finance filing requirements with prominent election attorney Ross Secler. During this interactive session, Ross will give an overview of the filing process, discuss the requirements for filings, and answer questions.
The Zoom link will be sent the day of the seminar. One hour of CLE credit will be available for attorneys. Open to Democrats.
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Volunteers Write Postcards to Support Allena Barbato for College of Lake County Trustee
Volunteers help write postcards for Allena Barbato who is running for College of Lake County Trustee. And because she is running against many Republicans, including at least one right-winger, many of us are voting ONLY for her to be a College of Lake County Trustee.
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Lake Villa Dems St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Many Democrats gathered for the Lake Villa St. Patrick’s Day parade to show support for our Democratic candidates.
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Volunteer Spotlight
Lake Dems is grateful for our many active volunteers.
Kenneth Smith, an Alderman in North Chicago, is a new Lake County Precinct Committeeperson. He is also a top-notch photographer who often uses his skills to capture our Democratic events. We thank him for giving of his time and talent in support of Lake Dems.
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ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
‘Blue wall’ Democrats urge the White House to give Chicago the 2024 DNC convention
Duckworth Joins ABC’s This Week to Discuss Her Military Service in the Iraq War
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Upcoming Events
THURSDAY, MAR. 30
Re-Election Fundraiser for Waukegan City Clerk Janet Kilkelly. 5:30-7:30pm, Waukegan. More.
MONDAY, APR. 3
Fundraiser for State Representatives Mary Beth Canty and Daniel Didech. 5-7pm, Buffalo Grove. More.
WEDNESDAY, APR. 5
Lake Villa Dems April Meeting. 7-8pm, Lindenhurst. More.
For the complete list of Upcoming Events, go to lakedems.org/events.
Click here to submit your event for consideration.
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How Do I Join Lake County Democrats?
Lake County Democrats is made up of people like you, people who are passionate about building better communities and a better world. We’re a grassroots political organization, working with Democrats in all parts of Lake County – from Antioch to Highland Park, Libertyville to Waukegan, Barrington to Zion. Become a member online now, (individual: $35/couples $60 – though more is always appreciated), or send a check payable to Lake County Democrats to P.O. Box 671, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. Questions? Contact info@lakedems.org.
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