She Votes Illinois

Graphic promoting a Period Posse webinar titled “Perimenopause on the Job: A Work in Progress,” scheduled for February 19, 2026, at 8 AM ET. The design features three large red blood drops on a navy blue background: an hourglass, a person working at a desk with a laptop, and a raised fist holding a megaphone. A panel on the right lists speakers Emily Cherenack (Duke University), Danielle Howe (University of Melbourne), and Lachean Humphreys (British Standards Institution). Columbia Mailman School of Public Health and Period Posse logos appear at the bottom.

🩸 Perimenopause is gaining visibility, and workplaces have an opportunity to better support people navigating this midlife transition.

Join Period Posse for a global webinar on Thursday, Feb 19 at 7AM CST. Register today! www.publichealth.columbia.edu/research/pro...

Teal-blue background graphic with a red banner across the top reading “FEB 17 DEADLINE” in large white text. White text explains that paper voter registration forms in Illinois must be submitted or postmarked by February 17. A yellow warning icon highlights that USPS postmarks are applied when mail is processed, not always the day it is mailed, which can cause at least 1–2 day delay. The graphic advises mailing forms early or submitting in person. Additional white text notes other ways to register: online voter registration available through March 1, and in-person registration available through Election Day, March 17. A yellow button at the bottom displays the link shevotesil.org/your-vote-matters.html, and the She Votes Illinois logo appears in the bottom right corner.

📣 Illinois voters: The deadline to submit paper voter registration forms for the March 17 primary is Feb 17!

⚠️ Mail early or submit in person. USPS postmarks are now applied when mail is processed, which can take at least 1–2 days.

Get vote ready at shevotesil.org/your-vote-matters.html

Graphic announcing early voting in Chicago. Headline reads “February 12: Early Voting Begins in Chicago” over a Chicago skyline. The word “CHICAGO” appears in large text, with the She Votes Illinois logo displayed next to it. Text states that all early voting locations are ADA-compliant and fully accessible, same-day registration is available with two forms of ID (one with current address), and voting services are available in 12 languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean, Tagalog, Gujarati, Urdu, Arabic, Ukrainian, and Russian. Downtown early voting locations beginning February 12 include 137 South State Street (new supersite) and 69 West Washington Street, 6th floor. Footer includes a call to action to visit shevotesil.org/your-vote-matters.html for more information.

Starting February 12, Chicago voters can cast their ballots at two downtown sites: 137 S State St and 69 W Washington St, 6th Floor. Locations are ADA-accessible, and same-day registration is available.

Early voting in each ward begins March 2.

🔗 Get vote-ready: shevotesil.org/your-vote-ma...

Graphic promoting a “Reimagining Public Safety Town Hall: Metro East.” Red and blue city skyline illustration at top. Event details read: Monday, February 23rd, 6:00 PM CST. Topics include RIFL Act, community violence intervention (CVI), community policing, and more. Text states “Discussing proven and new solutions to end gun injury in Illinois.” Includes “RSVP for address” and a red button labeled “Click to RSVP.”

📣 Reimagining Public Safety Town Hall – Metro East
Feb 23 | 6 PM

How can we make Illinois safer? Come learn about the RIFL Act & other efforts to reduce violence in Illinois. The RIFL Act (HB3320/SB2279) will save lives, save money, fund CVI, & deliver justice.

Register today at bit.ly/4bMgRlF

Disrespected and Ignored: Black Pregnant Women Demand Congressional Action | National Partnership for Women & Families Black women face a maternal mortality rate 3.5 times higher than their white counterparts and are twice as likely as white mothers to experience severe maternal morbidity. While we see these stories…

Black pregnant women are being ignored and dismissed in the U.S. health care system with devastating consequences.

📣 Contact your Members of Congress to hold providers accountable, expand access to doulas and midwives, and strengthen maternal health care. nationalpartnership.org/disrespected...

Purple and orange webinar graphic titled “The SAVE Act.” Text announces an upcoming educational webinar by RepresentWomen featuring election experts and Members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus. Three circular headshots appear: Chairwoman Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Representative Delia Ramirez (IL-03), and Representative Valerie Foushee (NC-04). Event details: Tuesday, February 10th, 7:30–8:30 PM EST, with a QR code to register and the RepresentWomen logo.

(2/2) Join @representwomen.bsky.social & @ramirez.house.gov TONIGHT, Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 6:30pm CST to learn how the SAVE Act could impact women’s participation and representation.

Register now at bit.ly/46ssr1A

The SAVE Act Is Back—and Women’s Political Power Is on the Line As Congress revives the SAVE Act, new proof-of-citizenship rules could reshape voter registration in ways that burden women voters.

(1/2) 🚨 The SAVE Act is back and it could make it harder for millions of women to vote.

New documentation requirements would disproportionately affect women who change their names, juggle caregiving responsibilities, or face financial barriers. msmagazine.com/2026/02/09/s...

In 2025, Why Did Chicago Experience Historic Lows in Homicide? Two actions that, if implemented nationwide, could save

Chicago just recorded its lowest number of homicides since 1965. This didn’t happen by accident. This new piece explains what worked & why it’s at risk if funding cuts continue.

The solution? The RIFL Act.

📣 Contact your IL state legislators to support the RIFL Act! bit.ly/4rcc01Y

Walmart, Amazon and CPS top list of employers where Illinois workers still need SNAP benefits State data obtained by the Sun-Times identifies where SNAP recipients say they work as expanded employment requirements could push as 400,000 off the food assistance program this spring.

Nearly half of Chicago’s SNAP households include working adults. Low wages and unstable hours leave families struggling.

If full-time and essential workers can’t afford food, it’s a sign of deeper problems in how we value labor and structure our economy.
www.wbez.org/politics/202...

She Votes Illinois: Nation Watch Weekly - February 7, 2026 Recapping the top national developments you should know

📢 We’re breaking down the national headlines you need to know, from the latest threats to reproductive rights & immigrant rights to domestic violence trends & more.

Don’t miss the “Weekly Wins” protecting our democracy & our communities - it's longer than ever!

Read it here: 👉 bit.ly/NationWW0207

Illinois HIV funding: Black leaders call for equity as racial disparities persist Health advocates are calling on Illinois lawmakers to address what they call a major funding gap in HIV prevention and care. The push for House Bill 4707 comes ahead of National Black HIV/AIDS…

Black Illinoisans make up nearly 40% of new HIV cases, and Black women are 14x more likely to be newly diagnosed than white women. Yet <3% of state HIV funding goes to Black-led orgs in hardest-hit communities.

📣 Call your state legislators to prioritize equitable HIV funding.

The State of Employment Law: Menstruation Accommodation Laws Could Be the Next Trend in Women’s Health Workplace Protections In this series, we will explore some of the ways states vary from one another in their employment laws.

🩸 SB2967, the Menstrual Health Workplace Equity Act, would give workers meaningful support for menstrual health needs, including additional paid leave or flexible work options when necessary.

📞 Call your IL state legislators today & urge them to support SB2967. natlawreview.com/article/stat...

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(2/2) These down-ballot elections may not make headlines, but they hold enormous power over how justice is carried out in our communities.

Use the She Votes Illinois voting guide to make a plan and be ready to vote in the upcoming primary election on March 17, 2026. 👉 shevotesil.org/your-vote-ma...

In Criminal Justice Elections This Year, ICE Contracts Are on the Hot Seat With roughly 2,400 elections for prosecutor and sheriff in 2026, Bolts reviews the map and early hotspots that will shape criminal punishment and law enforcement practices.

🧵 (1/2) In 2026, sheriff & prosecutor elections could reshape policing, incarceration, & immigration policy. And while IL law limits cooperation with ICE, local officials still play a role in how immigrant protections, public safety, & accountability are implemented in practice. bit.ly/4qehWpO

(2/2) Learn about the ordinary people who made extraordinary change. Register today at eastmoline.librarycalendar.com/event/alices...

East Moline Public Library screening civil rights documentary focusing on Chicago activist Alice Tregay “Alice’s Ordinary People” is screening at the East Moline Public Library, 745 16th Avenue, on Friday, February 6th, starting at 6 p.m. Director Craig Dudnick will be in attendance for a Q&A session fo...

🧵 (1/2) The East Moline Public Library is screening Alice’s Ordinary People on Fri, Feb 6 at 6PM, a documentary highlighting the incredible life and activism of Chicago civil rights leader Alice Tregay. Director Craig Dudnick will be in attendance for a Q&A session following the film. bit.ly/4r8Gulh

Graphic titled “Key Election Dates,” designed as a vertical timeline with dates on the left and descriptions on the right. A ballot box icon and calendar icon appear at the top. Dates and text listed: December 17, first day to apply for a vote-by-mail ballot; February 5, early voting begins in selected Illinois counties; February 12, early voting begins downtown Chicago; February 17, last day for paper voter registration; February 18, grace period in-person registration and early voting begins; March 1, last day for online voter registration; March 2, first day of early voting at permanent polling places; March 12, last day for election authorities to receive vote-by-mail applications by mail; March 17, Primary Election Day, highlighted in red. Bottom text reads, “For more details and to make a plan, visit shevotesil.org/your-vote-matters.html.” She Votes Illinois logo appears in the lower right.

BE A SHE VOTER!

Primary Election Day is Tuesday, March 17 and it’s your chance to weigh in on key races.

Visit our Voting Info Guide for everything you need to know to make a plan and get ready to vote. 👉 shevotesil.org/your-vote-ma...

Illinois joins World Health Organization network, after Trump administration withdraws from group Joining the World Health Organization’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network is the state’s latest move into an area that was previously the domain of the federal government, before the…

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Following U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, Illinois has joined the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network. Illinois will now receive direct, real-time information on global health threats ensuring the state stays ahead of potential emergencies regardless of federal policy changes

What does a law protecting abortion clinics have to do with Don Lemon? Lemon, an independent journalist and former CNN anchor, livestreamed a demonstration earlier this month that interrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, protesting President Donald Trump's…

Using the FACE Act and the Conspiracy Against Rights law, which were created to protect abortion clinics & stop KKK intimidation, against journalists shows how extreme Trump’s actions have become. This is a threat to freedom of the press and democracy.

South Side Healthy Community Organization – Transforming healthcare on South Side Chicago The South Side Healthy Community Organization (SSHCO) is a non-profit dedicated to improving health outcomes on the South Side of Chicago. We support residents covered by Medicaid or who are

This initiative addresses rising pregnancy-related deaths among Black birth givers & ensures high-quality care is accessible to those on Medicaid or uninsured.

Learn more and enroll: 📞 872-274-4688 | 🌐 southsidehealthycommunity.com

As Death Rates Rise Among Pregnant Black Women, South Side Orgs Launch Free Doula Services The free program offered by Chicago Birthworks Collective and the state-funded South Side Healthy Community Organization is a “preventive measure,” organizers said. There are 80 slots available for…

Chicago Birthworks Collective & South Side Healthy Community Organization are offering free doula services to 80 families on the South Side of Chicago. #BlackMaternalHealth
blockclubchicago.org/2026/01/30/a...

Ask your lawmaker to support the RACE ACT Please enable JavaScript in your browser

3️⃣ Send an Action Letter

Directly ask your lawmaker to support the RACE Act. A simple message can make a huge difference!

💌 Take action: secure.ngpvan.com/kGO94bpjWUWR...

Together, we can restore civic rights and expand access to democracy for all Illinoisans. #RACEAct #VotingRights #Civics

Support the RACE Act — Unlock Civics for People in Illinois Prisons Please enable JavaScript in your browser

2️⃣ Sign the Petition

Every person deserves a voice, even in prison. The RACE Act restores voting rights and expands civic education in Illinois prisons. Add your voice and tell lawmakers it’s time for dignity and fairness.

📝 Sign here: secure.ngpvan.com/_wA6QX91HUWf...

2026 RACE ACT Day of Advocacy Please enable JavaScript in your browser

1️⃣ April 16: RACE Act Advocacy Day in Springfield

Join advocates at the State Capitol to push for the RACE Act! Meet lawmakers, make your voice heard, and stand up for a more inclusive democracy.

📅 Thurs, April 16, 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM

Sign up here: secure.ngpvan.com/7DbUq6T_Lkq9...

🗳️ 3 Ways You Can Support the RACE Act in Illinois 🧵

In order for democracy to serve all of us, democracy must include all of us. The RACE Act is a critical piece of legislation aimed at restoring voting rights to individuals in prison, empowering those impacted by the American legal system.

A young woman in a white tank top and cozy sweater sits on a couch holding a red coffee mug and reading on a tablet that shows news headlines. To the right, text reads: “📧 She Votes, She Reads: What Our Community is Reading. Get Informed. Stay Activated. February 2, 2026.” In the bottom right corner is the logo for She Votes Illinois.

📚 She Votes, She Reads

This week’s picks cover the stories shaping women’s lives from economic justice, immigration, abortion access, & health to the personal narratives behind the headlines.

Plus: upcoming events & key election info to help you take action.

Read it here 👉 bit.ly/SVSR0202

Flyer announcing “High School Election Judges Needed in Chicago.” Apply by February 3, 2026 at pollworker.chicagoelections.gov. Students will serve on Election Day, March 17, 2026, complete in-person training, and can earn up to $230. Requirements include living in Cook County, being a high school junior or senior, U.S. citizenship, at least a 3.0 GPA, written parental/guardian approval (due Feb. 3, 2026), and written principal approval (due Feb. 10, 2026). Includes QR codes to apply and for FAQs, contact information ([hsjudge@chicagoelections.gov](mailto:hsjudge@chicagoelections.gov) and 312-269-7985), Chicago Board of Election Commissioners logo, and red/blue patriotic graphics.

APPLY BY THE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd DEADLINE! Chicago is looking for high school students to serve as election judges for the upcoming March 17, 2026 Primary Election!

To learn more and apply, go to: pollworker.chicagoelections.gov

Women's sports fans will have a new place to hang out with opening of Level Sporting Club Founded by former Northwestern basketball player Clarissa Flores, the bar will be near the heart of sports bars crowding around Wrigley Field.

📣 Chicago sports fans!

Level Sporting Club is opening near Wrigley Field—a bar where #WomensSports takes center stage! Founded by ex-Northwestern star Clarissa Flores, it’s all about good vibes, great food & supporting women athletes.

📍 3343 N. Clark St. | Opens April

Photo of a desktop scene with a modern lamp, potted plant, and open laptop. On the laptop screen is a graphic titled “She Votes IL: Nation Watch Weekly” with a globe and silhouettes of people. The sub headline reads, “Recapping the top national developments you should know.” In the top left corner, the date "January 31, 2026” is displayed. A She Votes Illinois logo is in the bottom right corner.

Graphic titled “Weekly Wins from She Votes Illinois’ Nation Watch Weekly,” dated January 31. On a blue background, two columns of red checkmarks list 19 recent legal and policy wins. Highlights include judges blocking Trump administration efforts related to voter data, arrests of refugees, deportations, SNAP cuts, EV charger funding freezes, and access to medical records; courts restoring funds to pediatricians, allowing offshore wind projects, and preserving protections for Venezuelans and Ethiopians; ICE actions reversed including unlawful detention of a high school student and a 5-year-old with a parent; sentencing of an ex–Illinois deputy for Sonya Massey’s murder; increased transparency in federal spending; and ICE pulling back from the Super Bowl amid public outcry. Bottom text reads “Full stories every Saturday” with a Substack link and a request to subscribe. She Votes Illinois logo bottom right.

Staying informed matters and so do the wins!

This week’s Nation Watch Weekly tracks the national stories shaping our rights & highlights 19 court & accountability wins that pushed back against harm, protected communities, & upheld the rule of law.

Catch the full roundup now 👉 bit.ly/NationWW0131

Graphic with a comic-book style starburst reading “Pretrial Fairness Community Court Watching!” in bold yellow text on a purple background. Below, text invites people to join the Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice for community court watching in March to observe pretrial hearings in DuPage County and monitor the end of money bond, with training provided on recording observations. A yellow box lists training dates and locations: Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. at Wheaton Public Library (225 N Cross St) and Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. at Glen Ellyn Public Library (400 Duane St). Registration link: bit.ly/DupageCourtwatch. Fine print notes the events are not sponsored by the libraries.

📣 Volunteer: DuPage County Court Watching (March 2026)

Join the IL Network for Pretrial Justice to observe pretrial hearings in DuPage County & help monitor implementation of the Pretrial Fairness Act. Your observations help strengthen this historic reform. Sign up here 👉 bit.ly/DupageCourtw...