NWSBA and League of Women Voters Join Forces for Voter Eligibility and Voter Protection Seminar
The Northwest Suburban Bar Association (NWSBA) and the League of Women Voters (LWV) are collaborating to provide NWSBA members with a seminar on Voter Eligibility and Voter Protection. The event will take place virtually on Oct. 14, 2020 at 12 noon CST via Zoom.
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Sept. 22, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Attorney Gary A. Newland of Newland & Newland, LLP in Arlington Heights, IL, President of the NWSBA, suggested that the NWSBA partner with the LWV as part of his initiative to collaborate with other civic organizations in the community. Gary believes it is part of the NWSBA's civic responsibility to offer this seminar, stressing the importance of exercising the right to vote by actively participating in our democracy.
Attorney William (Bill) F. Kelley of Kelley, Kelley & Kelley in Schaumburg, IL, is coordinating the Voter Eligibility and Voter Protection seminar and will serve as its moderator. As a past President of the NWSBA, Bill also served on the Board of Governors. Bill has been instrumental in developing the seminar platform and is at the forefront of promoting the non-partisan Voter Eligibility and Voter Protection program. In addition, Heidi Graham, President of the LWV, will highlight the different types of voter resources that are provided by the LWV.
Bill recognizes the League of Women Voters' efforts in supporting and promoting the informed exercise of Illinois citizens' voting rights. He also appreciates the tireless efforts of NWSBA members over the years in vetting judicial candidates through screening, evaluation, and issuing recommendations as part of the Association's community service.
For more than 40 years, Bill has engaged in voter protection efforts as a volunteer during elections to provide voters with reliable information. He believes attorneys are uniquely positioned to protect this right, yet many might be unaware of the changing voting parameters, especially early voting, absentee/mail-in voting, and curbside voting.
Many NWSBA members will travel to Wisconsin to serve as volunteers for this election. The NWSBA is providing a great service to members who may need to know not only recent changes to Illinois law but also Wisconsin law amendments. With that in mind, the NWSBA has enlisted two presenters: Matthew Flamm will address voter eligibility in light of the Illinois law the General Assembly passed in June of 2020. Hillary Vedvig will speak to Voter Eligibility and Voter Protection issues in Wisconsin.
There is also a real concern among people across the country that voter intimidation may be prevalent in this election. In addition, disinformation could include incorrect polling place locations or hours, plus fraudulent campaign mailers. Bill sees the NWSBA's Voter Eligibility and Voter Protection seminar as an outstanding opportunity to bring clarity to this subject and arm attorneys and citizens with the facts and the laws they need right now to vigilantly protect this precious right.
"The need for partnerships by nonpartisan organizations like the NWSBA and the League of Women Voters to inform the electorate and protect the right to vote has never been greater. I cherish the right to vote; I believe it is at the very core of our democracy. It is not only our constitutional right, but it is also our responsibility as Americans," Kelley stated.
About the Northwest Suburban Bar Association (NWSBA)
The Northwest Suburban Bar Association (NWSBA) was formed over 50 years ago by founding members Kenneth G. Meyer, Don Norman, Jim Dowd, and Bill Moore to serve the Northwest Suburban legal community. Since then, it has grown into one of the largest Bar Associations in Illinois, with approximately 600 members. The NWSBA is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the community by inspiring excellence in the practice of law.
To learn more about the NWSBA, visit https://www.nwsba.org/ or call 847-621-2378.
SOURCE Northwest Suburban Bar Association
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