League of Women Voters hosts candidate forums in Batavia
The League of Women Voters of Central Kane County has announced plans for two upcoming candidate forums, which will feature candidates in contested races who are on the ballot for the upcoming March 17 Illinois General Primary Election.
The first forum takes place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, which also happens to be the first day of early voting in Illinois. The forum will include candidates for Kane County Sheriff and Kane County Board Districts 2, 11, and 13.
The second forum takes place at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, and will include candidates for Illinois Senate 33 and U.S. Congressional District 11.
Both events will be held at Batavia City Hall, 100 N. Island Avenue in Batavia. BATV will be on site, recording the events and streaming to BATV’s YouTube Channel for online viewers. (BATV’s YouTube Channel can be found at youtube.com/user/BATV1017.)
The forums will be moderated by a trained member of the League of Women Voters. Each participating candidate will be granted time for an opening statement. Following opening statements, the candidates will be presented with a series of questions.
Members of the public may submit questions in writing before and during the event. Consistent with normal League of Women Voters practice, questions will be reviewed by trained League members for appropriateness prior to asking. At the end of each question period, the candidates will be given time for brief closing statements.
The League of Women Voters of Central Kane County has an “empty chair policy” which prohibits participation by a candidate if no opponent is present. Candidates who are in attendance without an opponent present will be given time for a 3-minute statement in lieu of taking part in the forum itself.
Recordings of the forums will remain on the BATV YouTube Channel through the election season. In addition, recordings will be archived on the LWV of Central Kane County website at lwvckcil.com/candidate-issue-forums.
Kelly Rotella, co-chair of Voter Service for the LWV of Central Kane County, shared, “The League of Women Voters is well respected for its history of nonpartisan voter service and its tradition of conducting fair and nonpartisan candidate forums. We are excited to provide opportunities such as these for Kane County voters to hear from their candidates in person.”
Below are some important dates to know for the March 17 General Primary Election in Illinois. Due to changes in the processing at the U.S. Postal Service, those voting by mail are encouraged to follow the guidance of the Election Authority and the League of Women Voters and to mail your ballot at least one week prior to Election Day.
• Feb. 5 through March 16, 2026: Early Voting Period
• Feb. 17, 2026: Last day to register to vote
• Feb. 18 through March 16, 2026: Grace Period Registration and Voting
• March 17, 2026 Election Day Voters or members of the media with questions are invited to email voterservice@lwvckcil.com or call (630) 360-2004 and leave a voicemail.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Learn more at lwvckcil.com.