Join 'Drinks & Democracy - Abolition of the Electoral College' Feb. 7
The Electoral College is a puzzling system that often has people scratching their heads about how it works and why we use it. More and more Americans are fed up with this antiquated system and would like to see it abolished. Join the League of Women Voters for a brief history of the Electoral College, a discussion of its impact on our democracy, and a plan for changing the system.
Rosemary Heilemann, co-president of the Deerfield/Lincolnshire League, will lead the discussion, "Drinks & Democracy - Abolition of the Electoral College" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, at Arlington Ale House, 111 W. Campbell St., third floor, Arlington Heights.
This event is part of our speakers' series "Making Democracy Work" and ties into the League of Women Voters of Illinois's grassroots Electoral College Committee's efforts to make abolishing the Electoral College a National League program focus for 2018-2020 to be decided at the League of Women Voters' 53rd National Convention in Chicago June 28-July 1, 2018.
League of Women Voters U.S. Position on Selection of the President
"The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that the direct-popular-vote method for electing the President and Vice President is essential to representative government. The League of Women Voters believes, therefore, that the Electoral College should be abolished. We support the use of the National Popular Vote Compact as one acceptable way to achieve the goal of the direct popular vote for election of the president until the abolition of the Electoral College is accomplished. The League also supports uniform voting qualifications and procedures for presidential elections. The League supports changes in the presidential election system - from the candidate selection process to the general election. We support efforts to provide voters with sufficient information about candidates and their positions, public policy issues and the selection process itself. The League supports action to ensure that the media, political parties, candidates, and all levels of government achieve these goals and provide that information.
League of Women Voters U.S. /League of Women Voters Education Fund mission statement
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
About the League
League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. League members worked hard during the 2016 election registering voters at the Arlington Heights train station, Elk Grove High School, Prospect High School, and Saint Viator High school. Additionally, League assisted with mock elections at EGHS, PHS, Buffalo Grove High School and South and Thomas middle schools. All in all, League volunteers clocked more than fifty hours serving the community and promoting participation in government.
Membership in the League of Women Voters, one of the most respected and effective grassroots organizations in the country, is open to both men and women. Our members make a visible difference by serving as community leaders who use their experience to create positive, lasting change in our communities.
For more information about the League of Women Voters, visit www.lwvah.org, www.facebook.com/TheLeagueOfWomenVotersArlingtonHeights, or follow twitter.com/lwvahbg.