Updates — Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats

News, Notes & Events: Post-Election Analysis

December 14, 2022

Dec. 14, 2022

In this Issue: Happy Holidays ● Lake Dems Post-Election Analysis with Pete Giangreco ● Dramatic Testimony From Highland Park Parade Victims at Hearing to Ban Assault Weapons ● Lake Dems Petition Signing Event Sunday ● In Case You Missed It ● Upcoming Events Below

Contribute or Join/Renew Your Lake Dems Membership

News, Notes & Events will be taking a break after this issue so that we all may spend time celebrating this holiday season with family and friends. We hope you are able to do the same. Watch for exciting changes to this publication beginning with the January 3, 2023 issue.

Wrap Up: Lake Dems’ Post-Election Analysis with Pete Giangreco

On Monday evening, Lake Dems Post-Election Analysis meeting focused on Democratic successes in the 2022 election. The keynote speaker was Pete Giangreco, a national political consultant and a partner with The Strategy Group. He has helped lead strategy for significant major national campaigns, including both of Barack Obama’s presidential runs, as well as the successful elections in 2022 of Senator Tammy Duckworth, Governor J.B Pritzker, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, among others.

“Long-term organizing is the way to win elections.” Pete talked about the national scene including the State of Wisconsin’s Supreme Court election in April which could change the ability of Democrats to win in our neighboring state. As is true in our Illinois Supreme Court races, the outcome could affect many issues including voter suppression efforts and unfair districting maps.

Other speakers discussed how in Lake County, Democrats outperformed expectations countywide. Democrats got nearly 60% of the vote in Lake County — 10% more than the national average! JB Pritzker won 16 of our 18 townships and got at least 45% of the vote in the other two townships which have traditionally been very Republican Red. We are gaining in Lake County! Lake County voters are recognizing that Democrats are better on issues that matter.

Attendees also heard about what Lake County Democrats did to boost turnout, including sending a letter to 40,000 folks who would vote Democratic but don’t always bother in the mid-terms. We also sent a mailing promoting our diverse countywide slate, advertised on social media, phone banked, text banked, handed out voter guides, and more. In all, in the 2022 cycle, Lake Dems raised more than $150,000 and contributed more than $90,000 in direct and in kind contributions to candidates. Another $50,000+ went to keeping our three offices open, our organization running, and infrastructure support to our township organizations. We also had a 24/7 voter hotline and a huge Election Protection Team to make sure everyone eligible to vote was allowed to vote. (Want to contribute to success in the next cycle? lakedems.org/contribute)

Two of our newly-elected candidates also spoke about the election. Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega noted that he knew this election cycle would be different when he attended a petition drive-through in Wauconda and cars kept streaming in for the whole event. In Wauconda! He also thanked Lake Dems as well as Kasia Kondracki and the Lake Villa Dems for increasing Democratic turnout in traditionally Republican Red precincts.

Nabeela Syed, State Representative-Elect in District 51, talked about overcoming disbelief in her district that a young Muslim could win and what it took to win her district. She thanked Lake Dems for our efforts and also praised Maria Peterson for running for State Senate in a district drawn for Republicans and coming within 393 votes of winning – significantly closer than almost everyone thought possible.

New volunteer Ellen Ewbank closed out the meeting by sharing how excited she was to get started prepping for the next election right away in the new year. If you want to volunteer for one of our committees, send an email to info@lakedems.org or click here to volunteer and tell us what you are interested in doing.

Dramatic Testimony From Highland Park Parade Victims at Hearing to Ban Assault Weapons

Following the Highland Park July 4th Mass Shooting, and in face of daily gun deaths across Illinois, the House Firearm Safety & Reform Working Group (with our own Lake County State Rep Bob Morgan as Chair) has proposed HB5855 to reduce gun violence.

The act seeks to:

1) Ban assault weapons, large capacity magazines (10+), rapid-fire devices
2) Create an Illinois State Police Anti-Gun Trafficking Strike Force

3) Increase Firearms Owner’s Identification (FOID) card eligibility age to 21

4) Remove firearms from dangerous persons

Victims and witnesses of mass shootings in Illinois, including Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering, testified before Illinois state legislators Monday, December 12th, during a hearing on the Protect Illinois Communities Act, which would ban assault weapons in Illinois.

What can we do? Spread the word and help build momentum toward passage of this very important piece of legislation. Filling out witness slips is part of the legislative process and your chance to share your position on this bill. Click here to file a Witness Slip. Click here to read Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering’s testimony to the Illinois General Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Illinois House Judiciary Committee members heard testimony Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, on the Protect Illinois Communities Act at the Bilandic Building in Chicago. Photo courtesy of POLITICO’s Shia Kapos.

Lake Dems Petition Signing Event Sunday

The petition-filing period for most local candidates (village board, school board, library board, etc.) started on Monday, December 5th. On Sunday December 11th, the room at the Cook Park Library in Libertyville was packed as candidates took advantage of Lake Dems’ offer to get their petitions notarized, reviewed by lawyers, and bound. Petitions for most local offices can be filed until Monday December 19th at 5 pm. We are very grateful to the notaries and lawyers who volunteered to help these candidates, as well as other volunteers who worked so hard to make the event go smoothly.

Candidates for local election have their petitions notarized by Notary Publics and reviewed by lawyers last Sunday in Libertyville.

In Case You Missed It

Calls to Remove Trump Tower Sign Pick Back Up as Investigations Continue

Howard Dean: Why I Back the New Democratic Primary Calendar

Schakowsky Celebrates Passage of Respect for Marriage Act

Schneider Combats Iranian Aggression, Climate Crisis in National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

Upcoming Events

Events below are taken from the complete list of Upcoming Events at LakeDems.org/events. Click here to submit your event for consideration.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14

Wauconda Township Democrats December Meeting. 6-7pm, online via Zoom. More.

THURSDAY, DEC. 15

Town Hall Meeting on the SAFE-T Act’s Implementation in Lake County. 6:30-8pm, Buffalo Grove. More.

SATURDAY, DEC. 17

Schneider for Congress Holiday Party. 5-7pm, Waukegan. More.

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 or send a check payable to Lake County Democrats to P.O. Box 671, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. Questions? Contact info@lakedems.org.

News, Notes & Events: Marriage Equality Protection Bill Passes U.S. Senate and More

November 19, 2022

Featured, Updates

Nov. 30, 2022

In this Issue: U.S. Senate Passes the Bipartisan Bill to Protect Marriage Equality ● Trump Criticized for Hosting Dinner with Nick Fuentes and Kanye West ● Oath Keepers Founder Stewart Rhodes Found Guilty of Seditious Conspiracy in January 6 Case ● Resident Participation Needed! Qualified Candidates Sought for Two Local Government Boards ● In Case You Missed It

Contribute or Join/Renew Your Lake Dems Membership

U.S. Senate Passes the Bipartisan Bill to Protect Marriage Equality

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement on November 29th after the Senate passed the bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act, which would protect marriage equality for same-sex and interracial couples:

“Today is a victory for love and a victory for equality. With a small group of far-right Justices on the Supreme Court signaling their openness to taking away right after right for millions of Americans, I’m proud that this historic legislation passed the Senate with broad, bipartisan support today and moved our nation closer to protecting marriage equality for all. Every American deserves the same freedoms, rights and ability to marry who they love—regardless of gender or race—and every American deserves to know their marriage will benefit from the same protections as other marriages. Love is love, and I hope the House will pass this legislation swiftly so we can send it to President Biden’s desk for signature.”

Trump Criticized for Hosting Dinner with Nick Fuentes and Kanye West

DNC Statement on Donald Trump Dinner with Nick Fuentes. Spokesperson Ammar Moussa released this statement following confirmation Donald Trump met with Nick Fuentes at a dinner with Kanye West.

Shocking Video from MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow Show on November 28th. Includes clips of Nick Fuentes spewing hatred.

Oath Keepers Founder Stewart Rhodes Found Guilty of Seditious Conspiracy in January 6 Case

Posted at NPR.ORG

A federal jury in Washington found Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes and member Kelly Meggs, guilty of seditious conspiracy in connection with the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

The seditious conspiracy case is the most serious to grow out of the Justice Department’s sprawling investigation into the U.S. Capitol attack. The trial lasted for nearly two months.

Four other Oath Keepers members charged with seditious conspiracy are due to go to trial in December. Members of another right-wing group called the Proud Boys, including its former chairman Enrique Tarrio, also are due to head to trial on seditious conspiracy charges in December.

Click here to read the entire article.

Lake County, Illinois sent this bulletin at 11/28/2022 07:59 AM CST

Resident Participation Needed! Qualified Candidates Sought for Two Local Government Boards

Qualified Candidates Sought for Two Local Government Boards

Are you interested in participating in local government? Lake County is seeking qualified candidates for two local government boards!

There are openings on the Lake County Housing and Community Development Commission and the Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals. Learn more about each of these opportunities by following the links below:

Housing and Community Development Commission (HCDC)
The HCDC makes recommendations to the Lake County Board on community development activities. Community development activities may support economic development projects, installation of public facilities, community centers, housing rehabilitation, public services, code enforcement, homeowner assistance and many other identified needs in Lake County. Learn more

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)
The ZBA holds public hearings to consider applications for zoning variances, delegated conditional use permits, and appeals of administration decisions. It also serves in an advisory capacity to the Lake County Public Works, Planning and Transportation Committee and the County Board for zoning ordinance and map amendments, and non-delegated conditional use permits, which include planned unit developments. Learn more

Both of these boards are critically important to local government and serve in an advisory capacity to the Lake County Board. Residents that serve on the HCDC and ZBA are appointed by the Lake County Board Chair with the advice and consent of the Lake County Board. They are terrific opportunities to work on local initiatives and issues while serving the community. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

In Case You Missed It

Right-wing groups across the country (with chapters here in Lake County) are working to infiltrate our school and library boards. The following articles make clear why Democratic representation on these boards is so vital.

Notes from an Awake IL/Moms for Liberty school board training. Posted by Illinois Families for Public Schools.

The Right-Wing Mothers Fueling the School-Board Wars. From The New Yorker.

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 or send a check payable to Lake County Democrats to P.O. Box 671, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. Questions? Contact info@lakedems.org.

You’re invited: Open House Saturday at New Lake Dems HQ, 5 – 7 pm

November 18, 2022

Updates

Please join us for an Open House and celebration during Waukegan’s monthly ArtWauk event this Saturday from 5-7 pm. Gather with like-minded friends at our new Lake Dems headquarters, 228A N. Genesee St., Waukegan, one block up from our old office. Refreshments will be served.

We’d appreciate donations: folding tables, a conference table, folding chairs, a shredder, surge protectors, extension cords, a standing lamp and general office supplies.

ArtWauk is a festive monthly event (the third Saturday of the month) in downtown Waukegan. Galleries and other venues in the Arts & Entertainment District are open to passersby and celebrate the city’s growing art community. We have a great spot— our new office is just across the street from the Genesee Theater.

Questions? Email info@lakedems.org.

Countywide Early Voting Began October 24th; Make Sure Your Vote Counts!

October 27, 2022

Featured, Updates

Election Day is approaching very quickly. With so much at stake—reproductive freedom, protection from gun violence, our very democracy—we all need a plan to vote.

First item on your to-do list? Make sure you’re registered to vote at your current address. If you’re not, know that you can register in person at your County Clerk’s office or on the day you vote, either at an Early Voting site or on Election Day at your regular polling place. Just make sure you bring with you two pieces of identification. And one of those must show your current address.

If you’re already registered, make your plan to vote. You can vote right now at limited locations in your county of residence on any weekday between 9am and 5pm. You can request and return a vote-by-mail ballot. Or you can plan to vote in person at any of several Early Voting locations across your county starting October 24^th, or on Election Day, November 8^th, at your assigned neighborhood polling place.

Here are the details:

How do I request a vote-by-mail ballot?

Go online to your County Clerk’s website. Through the Lake County Clerk’s website and the Cook County Clerk’s website [https://mailvoting.cookcountyclerkil.gov/], you can request your vote-by-mail ballot by simply following the prompts. It will take less than five minutes.

If you live in McHenry County, you will find the form you need online at https://www.mchenrycountyil.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/108324/637956528765030000. But after you fill out the form, you’ll have to print it out and sign it before you can submit it to request your ballot. Although you are permitted to request a mail-in ballot as late as November 3^rd, given the unpredictability of the U.S. Mail, we strongly recommend that you do so well before that date.

When will I receive my vote-by-mail ballot?

Ballots will be mailed as requests are received.

How do I send in my completed vote-by-mail ballot?

You can return your vote-by-mail ballot by U.S. Mail or take it to your County Clerk’s office in person. You can also deposit your completed vote-by-mail ballot in a secure drop box. Starting on October 24, every Early Voting site in Lake and Cook Counties, and many in McHenry County, will have a drop box that you can access without waiting in the line for in-person voting. Lake County already has made available 24-hour secure drop boxes at six locations in the county.

To find drop box locations and hours in Cook County, go to https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/elections/ways-to-vote/vote-mail/mail-ballot-drop-box-locations

To find drop box locations and hours in Lake County, go to https://www.lakecountyil.gov/DocumentCenter/View/36233/Drop-Box-Locations-all

To find drop box locations and hours in McHenry County, go to https://www.mchenrycountyil.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/108757/637989328220770000

Cook and Lake Counties have provided postage-prepaid envelopes for returning mail-in ballots. McHenry County requires a regular first-class stamp, but if you forget to put a stamp on the envelope, the post office will deliver it anyway, and the County Clerk is legally required to accept it.

What’s the deadline for sending in my vote-by-mail ballot?

Ballots must be returned to your County Clerk in person or via drop box no later than Election Day, November 8, 2022, by 7 p.m., or via U.S. Mail postmarked no later than 7 p.m. that day. If mailed by 7 p.m. on Election Day, a ballot will be accepted as long as it is received within 14 days after Election Day.

How do I complete my vote-by-mail ballot?

Your vote-by-mail ballot should come to you with clear, illustrated instructions. Color in the ovals the same way you do when you vote in person and then insert the completed ballot in the envelope provided. The single most important step? Make sure you sign the Certification Envelope in which you place your completed ballot the same way you sign your name when you go to vote in person. You should also be sure to write in the date you are returning your ballot in the space provided on that envelope.

What if I get a mail-in ballot but change my mind and want to vote in person?

If you decide to vote in person, bring your vote-by-mail ballot and the certification envelope that came with it to the polling place, hand them to an Election Judge when you check in, and say you want to vote in person. The Election Judge will take your mail-in ballot and give you a regular ballot to vote right then. If you misplaced your vote-by-mail ballot, tell that to the Election Judge, and they still will be able to give you a ballot to vote that day.

What if I still have questions?

If you find that the instructions for completing and returning your mail-in ballot are unclear, or have any other questions about voting, call the Democratic Voter Assistance Hotline at 847-432-VOTE (8683).

Election Protection Pollwatcher Training Thursday, November 3rd

October 12, 2022

Featured, Updates

Would you like to help make sure that everyone eligible to vote is allowed to vote? We’re presenting our fourth “how-to” session for attorneys and other pollwatchers this Thursday, November 3rd, from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm, via Zoom. 1.5 hours of FREE professional responsibility CLE (Continuing Legal Education) credit available for attorneys. Click here to RSVP. A Zoom link will be sent the day of the training.

When you attend this training, you’ll learn about voting rights in Illinois and how to help our Democratic candidates as a member of our Tenth Dems/Lake Dems Election Protection team by making sure voters can exercise those rights.

Our in-depth, practical training for attorneys and other pollwatchers is open to Democrats. Click here to RSVP.

And to join the Tenth Dems/Lake Dems Election Protection Team on November 8th, or during Early Voting, click here.