FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Karin Daly
League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn 
978-760-0603
karin.daly@gmail.com

"How to Vote in DuPage County” Video Released by League of Women Voters as Early Voting Begins

Educational video for new voters also highlights ballot safety measures

September 26, 2024--Glen Ellyn, Illinois—League of Women Voters chapters throughout DuPage County with the support of the DuPage County Election Division have created a video that shows first-time voters how to research their voting choices and cast their ballot, highlighting ballot safety measures built into the process. This video, launched prior to the start of early voting in Illinois, will be utilized in League outreach to high schools, colleges, and other community partners as part of their voter education programs this fall, as well as via League websites, YouTube, and social media.

The video aims to guide new voters through the process to remove any concerns they may have about voting. Given changes to voting in DuPage County in 2022, the video also serves those who may not have voted recently. The county was the first in Illinois to move to a print-on-demand, 100% paper-based voting process, which means voters can vote securely anywhere in DuPage County on Election Day. 

Members of the League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn and Wheaton partnered to create and produce the video for use throughout DuPage County. The Election Division of DuPage County loaned voting equipment that is normally used for training to League volunteers in order to produce an accurate video. The county also reviewed the video content created. “Because of the support of the DuPage Election Division, we were able to portray a realistic, step-by-step view of the process,” said Melissa Nachman, Vice President of the League of Women Voters of Wheaton.

“I voted for the first time in the primary election this year, and I would have appreciated a video like this before I cast my first ballot,” said Glen Ellyn League member Ivy Toth, 18, one of the co-writers and the narrator of the video. “We also added information about Vote411.org to help voters research their choices. I hope this video will allay any fears first-time voters might have, allowing them to confidently cast their vote,” she added. 

“Having a video that shows first-time voters how easy it is to vote, as well as the safeguards in place to protect their franchise, supports a key part of our mission,” said Barbara Kwiatkowsky, League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn Co-President, who portrayed a voter at the video shoot. “Members know the mission by heart: We are a nonpartisan, grassroots organization with a charter to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy.” 

Deb Hornell, VP Voter Services for the League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn was on hand during the video shoot to portray a voter. “I brought my 4-year-old granddaughter to the shoot as it is never too early to learn about the importance of voting.” Other volunteers came from College of DuPage and members of local Leagues. “The vibe on the set was serious but fun as we all were connected by our mission to educate voters,” added Ms. Hornell. 

Sponsors of the video included League of Women Voter chapters in Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Roselle/Bloomingdale, Greater Aurora, Naperville, and Downers Grove. The video can be found on partner League websites such as www.lwvge.org and on YouTube at youtube.com/watch?v=vybyXbaiduY.

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About the League of Women Voters®
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League welcomes new members and civic minded community members to its public meetings and candidate forums.  For more information, visit www.lwvge.org.

For more information on the League of Women Voters of Illinois, visit www.lwvil.org, and for information on the League of Women Voters of the United States, visit www.lwv.org.
 

Volunteers in the “How to Vote in DuPage County” video. Pictured, L to R: Joyce Beck, Ishanth Dontha, Barry Nelson, Miles Evans, Dave Evans, Erica Nelson, Barbara Kwiatkowsky, Melissa Nachman, and Karin Daly. Not pictured: Deb Hornell and Ivy Toth. Training voting equipment on loan from DuPage County Election Division. 

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