League of Women Voters 
Federal and State Issues and Positions

From advancing health care to protecting the environment, voters care about many issues. At the federal, state, and local level, the League of Women Voters promotes social and economic justice as well as the health and safety of all Americans.

Both the LWV of the US and the State of Illinois study the issues and update their position statements regularly. The following page provides information about current positions. For more detailed reading, we have provided links to the US and state Leagues' websites.​

League of Women Voters of the United States

Since 1920, the League of Women Voters of the US (LWVUS) has been an activist, grassroots organization whose leaders believed that people should play a critical role in democracy. Throughout the years, the League has continued its dual purposes of education and advocacy by engaging in studies on representative government, international relations, natural resources, and social policy.

In 2024, the LWVUS released its updated guide to public policy positions, which covers the biennium 2024-2026. The guide, Impact on Issues, is designed to help League members use LWVUS public policy positions effectively at the national, state, local, and regional levels. The intention is to inspire Leagues to use national positions to act in their own communities. A short summary of major themes are provided here; all League members are encouraged to review the Impact on Issues in its entirety.

Representative Government

Promote an open governmental system that is representative, accountable, and responsive. 
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Natural ​Resources

Promote an environment beneficial to all life through the protection and wise management of natural resources in the public interest.

International Relations

Promote peace in an interdependent world by working cooperatively with other nations and strengthening international organizations.

Social Policy

Secure equal rights and equal opportunity for all. Promote social and economic justice and the health and safety of all Americans.

League of Women Voters of Illinois

Like the League of Women Voters of the US, the Illinois' League develops a set of policy positions. The League of Women Voters of Illinois' (LWVIL) policy platform was developed at its 2023 Convention and is outlined in a document entitled Where We Stand. It is a companion to the Impact on Issues, the League of Women Voters of the United States’ program book, and may be found on the LWVIL website in a comprehensive full version or a convenient abridged version. The LWVUS' Impact on Issues and the LWVIL's Where We Stand form the basis for all action taken by Illinois' Leagues on state and national issues. 

In addition to its policy platform, the LWVIL has adopted three program pillars as the focus of its advocacy efforts: voting rights and election processes, the environment and climate crisis, and equitably meeting basic human needs.

The LWVIL tracks news and legislation of particular importance to League members. Follow key pieces of legislation that align with the League’s identified priorities by clicking on the Action Alert image.

Voting Rights and Election Processes

The LWV of Illinois works to ensure free, fair and accessible elections, promote equitable voter access, protect voting by mail, voter registration, election security, and to standardize best practices and processes across election authorities. The LWV of Illinois supports initiatives which conform to our positions regarding campaign finance and ethics reform, redistricting, and abolishing the electoral college.

Environment/Climate Crisis

The LWV of Illinois advocates for policies to mitigate climate change and support the equitable and sustainable adaptation to the impacts of climate change, including: promoting renewable energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and reducing waste. The LWV of Illinois works for environmental justice and policies that ensure an equitable distribution of environmental risks and benefits across all communities. In addition, we advocate for the protection of the air, land, and water, to promote healthy ecosystems, biodiversity and a clean and healthful environment. ​

Equitably Meeting Basic Human Needs

The LWV of Illinois advocates for policies that equitably meet basic human needs for all residents, to include: health care, including reproductive health and behavioral health, economic support, housing, education, safety, freedom from violence, and justice. To support these initiatives, the LWV of Illinois advocates for a state revenue system that is equitable, progressive, stable, responsive, and simple.