Join in second annual 'March to the Polls' Jan. 18 in Geneva

Women's March Fox Valley organizers say the 2020 "March to the Polls" event is shaping up to be even more successful than the first march that crowded downtown Geneva a year ago.

"March volunteers are seeing an outpouring of support from community organizations, local businesses, and residents who believe it is important to support our democracy and to get out the vote," said march organizer Sue Sanders of St. Charles. "An area media outlet recently declared last year's Women's March Fox Valley to be one of the most important stories of 2019, and we agree. We fully expect the 2020 march to build on that success," she said.

The march will kick off at noon Saturday, Jan. 18, behind the Kane County Courthouse, 100 S. Third St. in downtown Geneva.

The marchers will then proceed down Third Street, which will be closed to traffic for the event. The march is open to all people, regardless of gender, race or beliefs, organizers said.

"The March to the Polls theme transcends age, ethnicity, gender, and all demographics to ensure all people become aware and exercise a phenomenal right to vote," said Dimitra Rizzi of St. Charles.

The first Women's March Fox Valley 2019 was organized in just six weeks by a handful of volunteers from We Can Lead Change Fox Valley after a march planned for Chicago was canceled. Despite bitter temperatures and blustery conditions, more than 700 activists turned out last January to help inspire change and to find solidarity. March leaders hope to more than double that number in 2020.

This year, Chicago is going ahead with its march, but organizers said they feel it is important to continue activism on the local level.

"Holding the Women's March in the far western suburbs helps to awaken people to events and conversations that may not seem real or urgent otherwise," said march organizer Brenda Engelhardt of St. Charles.

"I love the fact that we march in our communities," said Nora Bailey of Geneva.

Some of the financial support to pay the costs of the march comes from sponsorships by local merchants and individuals. Organizers have a GoFundMe page (bit.ly/WomensMarchFV) and are looking for donations from individuals.

For more information on attending the Women's March Fox Valley or to donate, visit www.wecanleadchange.org.