This letter will address two topics on which the League of Women Voters of Oak Park and River Forest (LWVOPRF) has received inquiries:
First, we were asked about the League’s position on term limits for local offices. A fundamental principle of a representative democracy is that voters get to choose the candidate that best represents their interests. The national League of Women Voters, apart from the constitutional limits placed on a President’s term, opposes term limits for the U.S. Congress, and the Illinois League opposes them for the Illinois General Assembly.
The organization does not have a position specific to term limits for municipal elections, but if a League were to support them, a local study and consensus would be necessary. Because of the U.S. position, a local League may oppose them without a study. LWVOPRF does not have a position on term limits for municipal elections, though it shares the values of the U.S. and Illinois Leagues of representative democracy and an election process that reflects voters’ preference.
The League has also been asked about its candidate forums. The League invites all candidates to participate in forums for state and local elections. As much as we prefer to host forums for voters to learn about candidates, to avoid any appearance of bias or favoritism, policy prohibits us from hosting them for uncontested races or when only one candidate accepts the invitation.
The League has held forums this year in Oak Park and Elmwood Park and will host a candidate forum for OPRF District 200 on March 13 at 7 p.m. and you can sign-up at the Oak Park Public Library. It will also host a forum for Proviso District 209 on March 18 at 7 p.m. and you can sign up at the Forest Park Public Library. Questions can be submitted in advance to lwvoprf1924@gmail.com; remember to indicate where you want the question asked.
Please research the issues, learn about the candidates, vote your conscience and no matter what, vote. Democracy sorely needs a strong showing this year.
Jane Hastings
President, League of Women Voters of OP-RF