Events
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The League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria holds events throughout the yearFind out more about our upcoming events and see our events calendar. To watch or read about recent events, scroll down. __________ Voter Registration Events Various voter registration events are held, including those at Naturalization Ceremonies. If you would like to register voters, please contact us. If you are not already a deputy registrar, our Voter Services committee chair can tell you how to get the (1 hour) training. Candidate Forums Prior to local elections, the League hosts candidate forums. Some are sponsored by the LWV and others are hosted in partnership with groups that have requested them through the League's voter services. Drinks and Dialogue Topics vary, and League members and the public are invited to participate in these events free of charge. Refreshments are available for purchase. Drinks and Dialogue is held on the third Wednesday of most months. Membership Social This evening event is for members and new members to meet, mingle, and renew membership. It is a great opportunity to bring friends and family who might be interested in joining. This is also an opportunity to speak to committee chairs to learn about ways to get involved. Meetings with Legislators We also regularly engage area leaders and office holders. Get involved to play your part. Special events The League regularly holds larger events, including our Shine On Democracy rallies and teach-ins. (Watch two examples below.) Annual Business Meeting of LWVGP (held in May) At this important members-only meeting, we elect officers and directors, vote on positions, approve the recommended calendar, decide whether a study will be done, adopt the budget, discuss action items and enjoy refreshments. Mock Elections Groups can request to hold a mock election through the League's voter services. |
 | The Impact of the Big Beautiful Bill on the Illinois Budget The League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria hosted legislative tax policy expert Ralph Martire for an expert take on what the provisions in the Big Beautiful Bill Act mean for the Illinois state budget and federal and state programs. Martire is the Executive Director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability (CTBA) and the Rubloff Professor of Public Policy at Roosevelt University. Click here to get a PDF version of the presentation. |
Annual FundraiserAt our first fundraiser in several years, we heard a compelling speech our energizing the local economy from Dr. Shelia Quirk-Bailey, ICC President, who is retiring at the end of the year. Many thanks to Dr. Quirk-Baley. And many thanks to the fundraiser organizers, Connie Romanus, Kristie Collier, and Theresa Koehler. |  |
 | Watch our most recent teach-in, during which we heard from local leaders and experts on the impact of federal policy on immigration enforcement, vaccine access, DEI, and education. YouTube video of the livestream is below. The speakers were: • Peoria County Sheriff Chris Watkins • Peoria City/County Health Department Public Health Administration Monica Hendrickson • Vice President of Workforce and Diversity at Illinois Central College Arnitria Shaw • Peoria County Regional Superintendent Dr. George McKenna and Tazewell County Regional Superintendent Dr. Jeff Ekena • Chris Kaergard, President of LWVGP, summarizing the information from our prior events, including voting rights, funding for public broadcasting, and more
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Held at the Queen of Squash in September, many members enjoyed an evening of socializing and camaraderie, as we continue our work to expand and protect democracy. The League of Women Voters is diligently committed to nonpartisan political engagement, and we think our Madisonian democracy works best when all political perspectives are welcomed! |  |
 | The League of Women Voters Greater Peoria extends our sincere thanks to Judge Michael Brandt for serving as the featured speaker at our recent Drinks and Dialogue event. We are grateful for the insights he shared about his work following his judicial career — particularly his efforts to help individuals with felony convictions expunge their records and rebuild their lives. During his tenure on the bench, Judge Brandt was instrumental in establishing a specialized courtroom to support veterans whose legal challenges were connected to their military service. He also played a key role in modernizing the Peoria County Law Library by launching a self-help center to assist individuals navigating civil cases without legal representation. We appreciate Judge Brandt’s continued dedication to justice and access for all members of our community. |
The League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria held its latest Shine on Democracy Rally in June. Watch the entire event here:
The League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria held the Shine on Democracy Rally in April. Watch the live recording of the event:
Speakers included:
Connie Romanus, LWVGP Board President
Kathy Cortez: Voting Rights
Laurie Bergner: Immigration
Becky Doubleday: Public Funding for Radio/TV
Wayne Cannon: Food Insecurity, and Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright: Arts & Humanities.
They spoke about non-partisan issues affecting the Central Illinois communities in response to the current government's chaos in Washington. The League is a non-partisan issues oriented, volunteer, member directed organization committed to open, responsive and effective government brought about by informed, involved citizens with membership open to both men and women in Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford counties.