Des Plaines Residents Are Invited to Meet Local Candidates for Upcoming Spring Election: Bring a T-shirt, Support Local Elections, and Meet Candidate Hopefuls

On Saturday, November 14 (rain date Sunday, November 15) from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM residents of Des Plaines are invited to meet local mayor, aldermen, city clerk, park district, and school board prospective candidates who are seeking to run in the spring 2021 election. This event will be held outside of the new Ace Hardware at 1175 Lee Street in Des Plaines. Masks and social distancing are required.

Attendees will be able to meet hopeful candidates and sign petitions for their names to appear on the spring ballot. "Nearing the end of this momentous year, it is clear that who we elect as our city council representatives, local board members, mayor, and clerk have a huge impact on our daily lives. They allocate funds and create local policies. Yet only 20-30% of registered voters turn out for these smaller elections," said Jessica Maag, SPEAK Des Plaines member.

Additionally, SPEAK Des Plaines will have an on-site "bring your own t-shirt" event where attendees can have a "vote local" graphic heat pressed onto a t-shirt with custom designed vinyl decals while they are meeting candidates and signing petitions. Residents will have their choice of decal color while supplies last.

Information about the local spring election will also be available at this event. The Consolidated Election is April 6, 2021 and odd-numbered aldermen, mayor, city clerk, park district, and school board positions will be on the local ballot. If attendees need to register to vote, a registrar will be present to help.

Donations to SPEAK Des Plaines are optional, but will be accepted to cover the cost of supplies for the event. This event does not sponsor any specific person, but rather provides a platform for all Des Plaines hopeful candidates to attend and speak to residents. For more information on this event and voting in the local spring election, visit www.speakdesplaines.com/vote.

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SPEAK Des Plaines is an anti-racist nonpartisan community group that is open to anyone who wants to work together toward its mission of keeping community members informed of current events, engaging Des Plaines' diverse residents in local elections and city government happenings, and facilitating solutions to important issues. To learn more, visit www.speakdesplaines.org.