Vote Like Your Rights Depend On It: 2020 Election Series

September 16, 2020 @ 7:00 pm
November 19, 2020 @ 4:45 pm

Join the ACLU of Illinois this fall for our virtual Voting Rights series in partnership with Weinberg/Newton Gallery. We will explore topics such as voting during the COVID-19 pandemic, fighting voter suppression and expanding access to the ballot, the intersection of art and social activism, and the continued fight for civil rights and liberties nationwide.

With many political leaders and lawmakers across the country refusing to authorize and fund no-excuse, mail-in absentee voting, and concerns remaining about the USPS, the COVID-19 pandemic has become yet another tool to suppress the votes of poor people, people of color, people with disabilities, young adults, and the elderly.

Each of us has an important role to play during this critical election. We encourage you to take part by joining us for our three-part event series, learning more about your rights as a voter in Illinois, and taking action to fight voter suppression across the country. Together, we will vote like our rights depend on it!

About Weinberg/Newton Gallery: 

Weinberg/Newton Gallery is a non-commercial gallery dedicated to becoming a presenting platform for social justice issues through collaboration with artists and non-profit organizations. Their exhibition Anthem, presented online and in partnership with the ACLU from September 11 – December 19, will examine voting rights in the United States through works of contemporary artists such as Bethany Collins, Eve L. Ewing, and Naima Green, among others. Learn more about the Gallery and view the exhibition here: weinbergnewtongallery.com

 

Events: 

LET PEOPLE VOTE
September 16, 2020 | 7:00 - 8:00 PM

We must protect our fundamental right to vote. Join us for a panel discussion featuring voting rights experts from the National ACLU, ACLU of Illinois, and Chicago Votes focusing on voting during the COVID-19 pandemic, fighting voter suppression and expanding access to the ballot, and knowing your rights as a voter in advance of the general election.

Featuring: Khadine Bennett, ACLU of Illinois Director of Advocacy and Intergovernmental Affairs; Michelle Hernandez, ACLU of Illinois Advocacy Associate; Molly McGrath, ACLU Voting Rights Campaign Strategist; and Stevie Valles, Chicago Votes Executive Director.

Watch a Recording of the Event


ART AND SOCIAL PROGRESS: CREATING A BETTER WORLD
October 14, 2020 | 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Artists in our community and nationwide play a vital role in helping us reimagine paths forward while showcasing what various forms of activism can look like. Join us for an hour of discussion and presentation with artists on the intersection of Art and Social Activism – especially during an election year. Get inspired and hear directly from artists on how their practices have been affected by the election year, the overdue and surging call for racial justice, and COVID-19.

Featuring: Ari Afsar; Adeshola Makinde; Ellen Rothenberg; and moderated by, Carrie Shepherd.

Learn more about Weinberg/Newton Gallery and view the Anthem exhibition here: www.weinbergnewtongallery.com

WATCH A RECORDING OF THE EVENT


THE FIGHT IS FAR FROM OVER
November 18, 2020 | 4:00 – 5:00 PM 

This election will have an impact on how civil liberties are protected and advanced in our state and country – from the President to local prosecutors, judges and other officials. Join us for a virtual town hall led by ACLU of Illinois Executive Director Colleen Connell, joined by Senator Durbin and ACLU of Illinois staff, on the 2020 Election and the continued fight for civil liberties and rights nationwide. 

Featuring: Khadine Bennett, Director of Advocacy and Intergovernmental Affairs; Nusrat Choudhury, Roger Pascal Legal Director; Colleen Connell, Executive Director; Senator Dick Durbin, U.S. Senator Illinois; Edwin Yohnka, Director of Communication and Public Policy.

WATCH A RECORDING OF THE EVENT


Actions: 

Register to vote or confirm your registration status.

Voting Resources: