'How to run for office' workshop Saturday in Elgin

So many people expressed interest in running for office after the last presidential election that the YWCA Elgin decided to hold a workshop Saturday, instead of waiting until next year as planned.

"How to Run for Office - A Woman's Focus," in partnership with the League of Women Voters of the Elgin Area, takes place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $30 including lunch.

About 40 people have attended the workshop - typically offered the year before local elections - since 2011, YWCA CEO Julia McClendon said. Twenty-three of them ran for office and 18 were elected, including to the Elgin City Council, the Elgin Area School District U-46 board and the Algonquin village board, she said.

People often have questions about how much mudslinging they might have to deal with, she said. "People need a safe place to ask questions and get answers before the throw their hat into the ring."

Saturday's speakers include Oswego Mayor Gail Johnson, who'll discuss how to make the decision to run; Elgin City Clerk Kim Dewis, who'll talk about how to get on the ballot; Elgin City Councilwoman Tish Powell, who'll discuss campaign organizing; Gail Borden Public Library Trustee Amanda Garcia, who'll talk about social media; and state Rep. Anna Moeller, who'll talk about ethics.

To register, visit ywcaelgin.org/Run17 or call the YWCA Elgin at (847) 742-7930. Walk-in registration the day of the event will be accepted.