Show Up to Learn About City Elections
Chicago’s municipal Election Day is February 28, but early voting begins in late January.
While IC-SS won’t be making endorsements, we’ll help you get the info you need to cast your ballot. Check out the events & alerts!
1. Mayoral Race – Women’s Mayoral Forum
In the mayoral race, 11 candidates are currently running. Want to learn more about them? On Saturday, January 14th, 2:00-4:00 pm, attend the 2023 Women’s Mayoral Forum at Chicago Temple (77 W. Washington).
The event is organized by Chicago Women Take Action, with support from the Indivisible Chicago Alliance and other groups.Moderators will be Cheryl Corley & Carol Marin. Tickets are required. Go here for free tickets.
NOTES:
- The event will also be livestreamed, details TBA.
- Want to help out at the mayoral forum? Sign up to volunteer.
2. ALERT: City Council – Aldermanic Forums
Many wards will be electing new alders to the City Council because the incumbents are stepping down. Hear from candidates for alders in the 4th & 5th wards at upcoming forums, details to come.
5th Ward – Aldermanic Forum, Sun. Jan 8th
Get ready to attend an in-person forum to hear 5th Ward aldermanic candidates running to replace Ald. Leslie Hairston, who is retiring.
The League of Women Voters-South Side Unit will present a 5th Ward candidates forum in Hyde Park at 3:00 pm on Sunday, January 8th.
We’ll share registration information, location, and other details when available.
4th Ward – Aldermanic Forum, Thurs., Feb. 9th
Attend an in-person forum to hear candidates vying to replace 4th Ward Ald. Sophia King, who is stepping down to run for mayor.
On Thursday, Feb. 9th, 6:00-8:30 pm, attend the 4th Ward Aldermanic Forum at Grace Place in the South Loop. The event will be livestreamed on Facebook as well as presented in person. Forum organizers include Grace Episcopal Church, South Loop Neighbors, and other partners.
IMPORTANT:To attend the 4th Ward forum in person, registration will be required.
We’ll send registration information when it becomes available in early January.
3. Police Dist. Councils – Info Session, TBA
In January, Indivisible Chicago-South Side plans an online info session onthe Empowering Communities for Public Safety (ECPS) ordinance and police District Councils – details soon!
See box below for online resources on ECPS & District Councils.
Read Up on the Feb 28 Races!
As a Chicagoan, you’ll be voting for multiple races in the February 28 municipal election.
Here are resources we’ve compiled for you:
- See who’ll be on your Feb 28 ballot: Ballotpedia
- Find out which ward or police district you’re in: The Triibe
- Read about aldermanic races:
- Read about the police District Council races:
For these & more links to online info, see our Dec. 12 newsletter.
The Newsletter on Holiday
The newsletter will take a winter break, to return on Monday, January 9th. Meanwhile, follow us on Facebook, Mastodon, and Twitter, for continuing updates.
NOTE: We’ll send out a quick announcement for any important event during that time. And, as always, feel free to write to us at Indiv.Chi.South@gmail.com.
Sneak Peek: Indivisible’s New Guide
National Indivisible has released an early version of their new guide for 2023 – the finalized version will be available in January.
Check out the new Guide for an analysis of the midterms and what they mean for the years ahead followed by action steps on how we, the citizens, can push our Democratic legislators to expose MAGA extremism, set the agenda, and mitigate harm.
Organizations & Opportunities
Indivisible Chicago-South Side shares information and action announcements from other organizations on issues important in our country, state, city, and communities.
IL’s SAFE-T Act Goes into Effect in Jan. 2023
The SAFE-T Act, which includes the Pretrial Fairness Act, goes into effect next month.
Last week, The People’s Lobby presented a teach-in on the Pretrial Fairness Act, its historical significance, its functional importance, and any legal changes made during the veto session.
Be informed – and fight the misinformation that right-wing groups have been disseminating. Watch the recording of this clear and informative teach-in on the Pretrial Fairness Acthere.
End Public Money for Private Schools
From Illinois Families for Public Schools: Contact your state legislators and Governor Pritzker, urging them to end the Tax Credit for Private School Scholarships “Invest in Kids program.”
Invest in Kids is really a “backdoor” voucher program that funnels up to $75 million a year of taxpayer money to private and religious schools. Donors who give to Invest in Kids receive a hefty tax break, and Illinois loses much-needed revenue.
Invest in Kids is set to “sunset” in 2023 but pro-privatization forces (such as the Illinois Policy Institute, the Betsy DeVos-funded Illinois lobbying group American Federation for Children, Awake Illinois, Moms for Liberty, and others) are pushing to make Invest in Kids permanent and expand its scope. Support for tax credit vouchers is part of a movement, both nationally and in Illinois, to undermine public education.
Need more information? Illinois Families for Public Education recently gave an excellent presentation on this issue. A recording of the presentation is available here and you can access the slides here. And a short FAQ on Invest in Kids is here.
Indivisible Chicago Alliance and Illinois Families for Public Schools are part of a large coalition working to sunset Invest in Kids. And we are asking your help to contact Governor Pritzker and your state rep and state senator to urge them to vote no on any extension or expansion of the voucher program. It’s important to do that now, as Invest in Kids might be voted on during the final legislative session, Jan 4-7!
- Call Governor Pritzker: (217) 782-6830
- Find your state Senator and Rep’s contact info
Holiday Giving – Support Local Organizations
Here are some local organizations that could use your help at this time of giving.
- GoodKidsMadCity
- Hyde Park Refugee Project
- Law Center for Better Housing
- Raise Your Hand
- NEW: Ending Money Bond & Bringing Our People Home: A Fundraiser for Pretrial Freedom
Newsletter Notes
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Indivisible Chicago-South Side
Email: Indiv.Chi.South@gmail.com
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Co-Leaders: Sarah Lincoln, Esther Peters,
Betsy Rubin, Teri Watkins
About: Group & Co-Leader Statements
