Where we stand: LWV positions

 The LWVPR takes action at the local level based on LWVUS, LWVIL and LWVCC positions, as well as our own local positions. 

 League positions are determined by League studies. The League, at the National, State, or Local level, commits to studying an issue such as the electoral college (national), or Illinois charter schools (state) or home rule (local).

Under the guidelines provided by the League, we create a group that:

• studies  the issue from all angles
• arrives at a consensus on the questions asked in the study
• writes a statement on our position

Then, the position is voted upon by the membership.  If accepted, it becomes part of the LWV program for education, litigation, and advocacy efforts.

Criminal Justice

“The legitimacy of our criminal justice system rests on a foundation of transparency and

fairness, free from racial and other bias. All stakeholders—the police, the courts, the prison system, and the community—must bolster this foundation. The system’s purpose is to reduce crime and promote public safety. That purpose is better served by reformation of offenders and their reconciliation with the community, rather than mere retribution."

LWVPR participated in the consensus process for this position, expressing agreement with the positions proposed by the Illinois League of Women Voters in its 2020 Criminal Justice Reform Consensus Questions. Criminal justice reform will require changes in the culture and practices of the police, IDOC and our courts. We must also address some of the fundamental causes of crime and violence, including poverty, sub-standard housing and education, and the dearth of services for the mentally ill. Every change and program should be evidence-based and regularly evaluated for effectiveness, balancing costs and results.

Support for Housing Needs

LWVIL believes:

● The State should plan for adequate supplies of low and moderate-income housing.

● Builders of large developments and planned unit developments should be required to provide a

percentage of their units for low and moderate income housing.

● Some kind of fair-share plan should be developed so that every community will have a percentage of

low and moderate income housing, rather than having it concentrated in a few areas of the state.

This kind of housing should be attractive and diversified in design and should be subsidized by both

state and federal levels.

● The League believes an educational program is needed to explain the need for and concept of low

and moderate-income housing and that, when necessary, zoning laws should be revised to

accommodate such housing.

LWVPR members have supported LWVUS and LWVIL positions related to housing in various ways, including issuance of an official statement to the City Council of Park Ridge:   “The League of Women Voters of Park Ridge encourages policies that provide a decent home and suitable living environment for every family. The League supports increasing the supply of affordable housing in our community.”

Members of the LWVPR are also League members at the regional and national level.  You can visit these websites for detailed descriptions of League positions.  The LWVUS publication "Impact on Issues" and the LWVIL publication "Where We Stand" outlines positions in full detail.  Our members can take local action on any of the positions put forth by:

Cook County

LWV of Illinois

LWV of the Lake Michigan Region

LWV of the United States