Who We Are

We are citizens, volunteers, and
informed voters.

The League of Women Voters of Cook County (LWVCC) encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government.  We do not support political parties or candidates; we are nonpartisan.  We study selected issues about Cook County government, and then educate the public and advocate about them.

Members are residents, taxpayers and voters in Cook County. We believe that in order to make good choices when we vote,  we need to be informed about our government.  We work together to learn about Cook County.

LWVCC is an integral part of the League of Women Voters of the United States and the League of Women Voters of Illinois.  LWVCC is also a member of the League of Women Voters Lake Michigan Region.

We welcome new members and volunteers!

To get involved, join a local League within Cook County and you will become a member of the LWV Cook County as well.  Find your nearest League below and click through for membership info. If you need help with connecting with your local League, feel free to contact us.

Local Leagues in Cook County

Arlington Heights, Mt. Prospect and Buffalo Grove Area
Chicago
Evanston
Glenview/Glencoe
Homewood-Flossmoor Area
LaGrange Area
Oak Park/River Forest
Palatine Area
Palos/Orland Area
Park Forest Area
Park Ridge
Wilmette
Winnetka/Northfield/Kenilworth

We study, then advocate.

LWVCC advocates based on positions adopted after studying issues and reaching consensus. At times, we may act based on positions of the national or state League. The positions LWVCC has adopted for use in Cook County and history are published in Where We Stand - 2017.

Summary of LWVCC Positions

COUNTY GOVERNMENT - Supports measures that improve the structure and function of Cook County government, including retention of single-member districts, separation of powers, a timely budget process, government transparency, and inter-governmental cooperation.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE - Supports measures that improve adult corrections and the criminal courts, increase and improve diversion programs, and improve judicial sentencing and oversight of correctional facilities.

HEALTH CARE - Supports providing public health facilities that are accessible to those who need services, and provides for citizen input in planning for health care with emphasis on cost containment and consumer involvement.

JUVENILE JUSTICE - Supports a separate juvenile justice system that protects the rights of all without discrimination; has the necessary staffing, programs and community support to be effective; is accessible; and provides for the secure detention of juveniles when necessary.

TOWNSHIP SCHOOL SYSTEM - Supports abolishment of the township school treasurers and trustees system within Cook County.

2018-19 Board of Directors
(and their home Leagues)

Co-Presidents:
Peggy Kell, Oak Park/River Forest
Nancy Marcus, Winnetka/Northfield/Kenilworth

Vice-presidents:
Jan Goldberg, La Grange Area
Karin Hribar, Arlington Heights, Mt.Prospect and Buffalo Grove Area

Secretary:
Betty Hayford, Evanston

Treasurer:
Amy Little, Chicago

Elected Directors:
Laura Davis, Palatine Area
Diane Edmundson, Park Ridge
Georgia Gebhardt, Wilmette
​Beverly Graham, Oak Park/River Forest
Kelly Kleiman, Chicago
Sharon Welch, Chicago

Nominating Committee:
Sarah Shirk, Oak Park/River Forest
Paula Lawson, Glencoe/Glenview
Sandra Slayton, Homewood-Flossmoor