Stateville’s Veterans Group secured its place in history when it kicked-off Remembrance and Rights, its Memorial Day program honoring our Nation’s fallen service members and observing the 157th year since the first commemoration in 1868—a few years after the end of the Civil War and slavery in the United States.
From the ‘Posting of Colors’, the presentations and placement of our nation’s flag at the beginning of public ceremonies, to the ‘retrieval of colors’, the removal of our nation’s flag at the end of the ceremony, the program was full of firsts. This was the first time in the history of Stateville Prison, if not the first time in the history of the state of Illinois, that incarcerated veterans were allowed to organize their own ceremony in a maximum security state prison.
This was also the first time that, while remembering our nation’s fallen, the Stateville Veterans Group spoke out for universal voting rights, and specifically the enfranchisement of incarcerated veterans and civilians alike. Pushing forward the battle for voting rights in State and Federal elections, the group spoke in support of the RACE ACT (The Reintegration and Civic Empowerment ACT), also known as Illinois Senate Bill 3482. Powerful proponents joined the veterans including the Civil Rights group – Chicago Votes while Doctor Christina Rivers of Depaul University gave a keynote address on the history of African-Americans’ fight for voting rights from the end of slavery through Black Reconstruction (1865-1877) and beyond.
This was a perfect realization of the aspirations of the program. We planned to draw a throughline between the history of Memorial Day, the historic fight against slavery, the struggle for voting rights, the ongoing movement for freedom, and the history-making performance of the Stateville Veterans Group during their Memorial Day program. It is through this confluence of American history that we remember our fallen and state our claim on the future.
[This was edited and updated for clarity by Aaron Hughes]
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Afterword
by Aaron Hughes
Prior to the Memorial Day program, on March 15, 2024, Illinois Gov. Pritzker announced the closure of Stateville Prison. This was not the first time the old prison was slated to be closed. Past efforts had been delayed by lawsuits and contract negotiations such that the Memorial Day program was planned with the hope of planting seeds, and establishing an outline, for future veteran initiated programs at the prison. However, after a number of incidents over the summer including the death of Michael Broadway, one of the people imprisoned at Stateville and who attended the Memorial Day program just weeks before his demise, authorities began moving quickly to transfer people and close the prison. As a result the Stateville Veterans Group has been dismantled. Likewise, the people that made up the abolitionist community in the prison were split up and sent to different prisons across the state. In Illinois and nationally, this community of scholars, artists and activists inside the prison was essential to promoting liberatory education, and also to many of the prison reforms and decarcerate efforts over the past decade. Although this group and many of us involved with them have advocated for the decrepit prison’s closure for years, Sarah Ross, the founder of the Prison + Neighborhood Arts/Education Project, asked the question, “Is it always abolitionist to close a prison?” Of course, with the hope that closing a prison means more people get to go home, the answer is yes. Yet, when the state utilizes the closing not to release people but to dismantle the community at the heart of the abolitionist movement in Illinois while planning to spend 900 million dollars to build a new prison, perhaps it is less clear. Let us hope, like seeds blowing in the wind, that the closing of Stateville and the disbanding of the community there only results in the sowing of new veterans groups working for universal rights and the sprouting of new radical abolitionists communities across the state. Let’s push the Governor to take actions, sign clemencies and pass decarceration reforms, that results in our friends and family members coming home.
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Robert Maury is a Navy veteran who served in the 7th Fleet from 1975 to 1977. He was the Stateville Veterans Group Sergeant in Arms till he was transferred in the lead up to the closing of prison this year.
Aaron Hughes is a Iraq War veteran and member of About Face: Veterans Against the War. He is an organizer for the Veteran Art Movement. For the past year he facilitated meetings for the Stateville Veterans Group. Since 2016, he has facilitated and taught classes with the Prison + Neighborhood Arts/Education Project at Stateville Prison.
This piece, written by Cedric Walker, also known as “IT HAS BEEN CED,” an incarcerated community member in the Stateville Think Tank, reflects on the legacy of the civil rights movement and the ongoing challenges Black communities face, particularly in Illinois. Cedric questions why incarcerated individuals are denied the right to vote, drawing parallels to the oppressive practices of the Jim Crow era. He argues the necessity of passing legislation that allows people in prison to vote is a step toward justice and aligns with the national sentiment supporting their reintegration into society.
Growing up, voting was never communicated to me as my communal responsibility. I grew up hearing about the exploits of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders who marched in the name of equality to secure the right to vote for Black people in the Jim Crow South. However, the legacy of the civil rights movement – its influence once only a distant notion in my mind – was difficult to see in any part of my history or present.
Now, it could be argued that significant change has occurred since the passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. I wouldn’t disagree. Conversely, it could be equally argued that certain socio-political conditions of Black people in Illinois, regardless of the right to vote, remain unchanged since Jim Crow. For example, 55% of people incarcerated in the state of Illinois are Black, even though Black people make up only 15% of the state’s population. This makes Black people disproportionately represented in our legal system.
The common theme between then and now is that disenfranchised Blacks remain within the fabric of the overall socio-political discussion regardless of their social location.
It would appear then that fighting for the right to vote Jim Crow’s influence out of the system in the South merely created the path to vote the new Jim Crow – mass incarceration – into existence nationally. Thus, when the question “Why should people in prison be allowed to vote?” is raised, I wrestle with whether that question has legitimacy for one reason: over half of the country (56%) supports restoring the right to vote to people in prison.
Since half of the country supports prisoners receiving the right to vote, the question of legitimacy compels me to ask questions of my own. For example, what kind of society would be opposed to an incarcerated person learning how to legally and peacefully participate in civic engagement? Isn’t correction of this sort the point of incarceration? We know 95% of incarcerated people return to their communities. What would be unconstitutional about prisoners having the right to vote for a candidate who pledges to build infrastructure for returning citizens?
Some returning citizens have mothers who were incarcerated. Women are the fastest-growing demographic in prisons, and 80% of women who are incarcerated are mothers. A mother should not be precluded from casting a ballot for the candidate who offers the possibility of her children not being directly impacted by the criminal justice system as she had been.
Ultimately, denying people in Illinois prisons the right to vote not only resembles a time in our history when socio-political conditions all but mandated the criminal justice system’s power to render people helpless in affecting the future of their community. However, it also stands in opposition to the national sentiment. Incarcerated persons have a place in our society because of the prospect of returning to our communities and the fact that their absence negatively impacts the youth therein. Was the right to vote created for the person? Or was the person created with the right to vote?
Another month has passed and so too has Illinois’ primary election!
Chicago Votes carried out a widespread effort to educate young folks on the ballot and mobilize them to the polls. In collaboration with three artists incarcerated in Illinois prisons, we created another impactful voter guide. Thousands of copies were directly mailed to young voters, handed out through community partners around the city, and distributed to voters inside Cook County Jail.
Beyond voter education, we brought the community out to our voter guide launch party, Give A Sh*t Creative Collective fashion show, Saturday brunch banking, and numerous Get Out the Vote events, including Parade to the Polls. All in all, we partnered with 20 Chicago Public Schools for Parades to the Polls and Student Power Forums, fostering fun first-time voting experiences with music, chanting, and pizza provided by our partners at Pizza to the Polls!
With the primary election season behind us, our sights are set on the Illinois legislative session and continuing to build power ahead of the November general elections.
We’ve got plenty more updates on the work and ways for you to plug in! If you’re in a hurry, here are the highlights:
Storytelling plays a pivotal role in advocacy, serving as a powerful tool to convey messages, evoke emotions, and inspire action. Through narratives, complex issues are distilled into relatable experiences, fostering empathy and understanding among audiences. By sharing personal anecdotes, case studies, or historical accounts, advocates humanize their cause, making it more tangible and relevant to others. Whether advocating for environmental conservation, social justice, or healthcare reform, storytelling empowers individuals to amplify their voices and mobilize communities towards a common goal.
Learn how to use your experiences to tell a story that advances your cause and changes people’s minds! This training is being facilitated by Frederique Desrosiers, Chicago Votes Policy Manager.
When: April 25th from 6-7:30 PM
Where: Chicago Votes office (1006 S Michigan Ave., Ste. 606)
Are you passionate about restoring voting rights to our community members in prison? On Wednesday, May 8th we’ll be heading down to Springfield for a full day of RACE Act advocacy, with transportation and lunch provided!
The RACE ACT, SB3482, championed by Senator Collins, is legislation that ensures people serving sentences in IDOC correctional facilities have access to peer-taught civics classes within the 1st year of their sentence and restores their right to vote. Fill out the RACE Act Advocacy Day interest form!
While voter turnout for the primary elections was generally low, turnout in the jail exceeded that of the rest of the city. Early voting took place inside Cook County Jail the first two weekends in March, with 24% of people detained in the jail casting a ballot compared to 20% of the general Chicago population.
Now through November, we will continue our ballot education sessions and voter registration in the jail. If you are interested in registering voters in the jail, become a CCJ Votes volunteer in a few steps!
Start by completing the fully online, self-paced Cook County Jail Votes training. Once you complete the training course, you will begin receiving monthly CCJ Votes opportunities in your inbox!
In November, Chicagoans will once again be voting in judicial retention elections, deciding which judges should keep their seats on the bench and which ones need to go! In the meantime, we are court watching to suss out bias in the courtroom.
Interested in court watching? Get trained to become a court watcher online, at your own pace. You can also reach out to camille@chicagovotes.com if you have any questions about the program.
Calling all Chicago creatives for C Space! On Thursday, April 25th from 6-8pm, pull up to the Chicago Votes office to work on your craft alongside other creatives and chill vibes.
Our Give A Sh*t Creative Collective is a hub for creatives to rethink how we engage young Chicagoans in the political process. The Collective is made up of a diverse set of artists, including designers, musicians, poets, and videographers. Joining gives you access to paid opportunities, including mini grants. Join the Give A Sh*t (GAS) Creative Collective and become a member of a community of change-making artists.
Read “Interesting,” a reflection on voter registration inside Cook County Jail by Cajsa Weber. In this piece, she reflects on the spread of voter misinformation, impactful interactions, and the responsibility we have to amplify the voices of the incarcerated.
Sh*t Talkin’ Central is a one-stop-shop for youth perspectives, Sh*t Talks, and our newsletters. In 2024, we will be growing the platform to include trainings and other resources. Head over to Sh*t Talkin’ Central to read and share stories from young people in Chicago. If you submit a pitch and we decide to publish it, you’ll be paid $100!
‘Interesting’ is the repetitive term that comes to mind when I think of my experience on Sunday, January 28. I have volunteered to register voters in Cook County Jail (CCJ) with Chicago Votes before; however, the 28th was the first time the registration took place within the tiers of the jail itself. More commonly, we gather in a multipurpose, windowless room as the correctional officer file in the folks who are currently incarcerated. This time felt different – somehow both a more intimate and a more inhumane look into life at CCJ.
Two other volunteers and myself walked through the halls of the Division 5 male unit (a medium security facility), guided by a guard. We stopped at each tier and had the guards ask those who would like to be registered to step forward.
In doing so, the proliferating mass of misinformation surrounding voting became tangibly clear. On more than one occasion we clarified with both the guards and those who are currently incarcerated that this was not voting itself – merely registering to vote. Much like a great number of Americans who have never been incarcerated, those who enforce these systems AND those who are directly inflicted by them are often unfamiliar with important election dates and the representatives/legislation involved in the ballots.
Registering the voters themselves brought a variance of reactions on my end, summarized in two points:
1. confirmation: many of the people who are currently incarcerated are unaware they even have a right to vote. Although we often say this when advocating for Chicago Votes work, it holds a different impact witnessing this knowledge being given to an individual. Reminding them of the power they do still have in an environment where so much of it has been restricted is an impactful moment.
2. elation: a select amount of people exclaimed that they have already been registered and vocally prompted others to take advantage of their right. This solidarity and enthusiasm reaffirms the impact Chicago Votes has had through registering CCJ voters monthly!
Aside from the registration process itself, an additional evident layer was directly viewing the conditions in which these men are living. Although we were already aware of how deeply unjust jails and prisons are nation-wide, there was a hue of dehumanization within its aesthetic that provided an eerie feeling. We heard many folks living at CCJ refer to their units as “cages,” of which they appeared incredibly similar to.
During our 3 hour visit, we saw dinner being served. The portions looked smaller than what’s recommended for the average adult male and quite frankly unappetizing. Certain units complained of not being given fruit like others had. While I understand jails are systems in place to enforce a level of consequence/punishment, it is physically necessary to nourish our bodies in order to think at full capacity. If reflection is what is to be asked of these individuals’ time, it is self-defeating to not provide the chance for complete functioning capacity.
More significantly than all of these environmental factors, I’d like to leave you with the understanding of the humanity who is enduring this. Those whom we were registering had humor and kindness and hope (not that they are required these traits to be deserving of basic respectful treatment). The media often portrays folks who are serving time in jail to be “boogie monster”-esque and so othered from those who have not. They present them as statistics. The reality is each number is an entirely unique person with their very own personality and life story. To think we as a society could speak for this group solely because they are coping through similar experiences, at the very least, simplifies it, at the most, dismisses the individualism that exists. Each person’s voice matters. This is something Chicago Votes has championed since its inception. Being able to come face to face with someone to remind them of that was an honor, especially in this proximity.
Thank you for every opportunity you have given me to further connect with this work since 2020, Chicago Votes. Thank you for taking time out of your day for this piece, Reader. May you utilize your own privileges not to be a voice for the voiceless, but to return the microphone and amplify the takes of those who have historically been spoken for. As Chicago Votes has always said: “democracy works better when more people participate.” Let’s keep moving towards better.
Sh*t just got serious! Illinois’ March Primary elections are in full swing now through Election Day, March 19th. In addition to the U.S. President, state and federal lawmakers, judges, Cook County State’s Attorney, and other local races, Chicagoans will be voting on Ballot Measure 1.
Ballot measure 1, known to many as Bring Chicago Home, asks voters if they would like to create a stream of funds to alleviate homelessness by increasing the one-time sales tax called a “Real Estate Transfer Tax” on million-dollar properties and up. Learn more about the ballot measure in our voter guide at chicagovotes.com/votecenter.
Our 2024 Primary Voter Guide also includes a State’s Attorney Questionnaire where we asked all four candidates the following questions:
How will you use your discretion under the Pre-Trial Fairness Act to Request Detention?
Under the current Foxx Administration, retail thefts under $1000 are not prosecuted as a felony, but as a misdemeanor. Will your administration keep this same threshold or revert to the $300 threshold?
How will your office grow the investment of the Conviction Review Unit work?
A study that analyzed more than 4.6 million traffic stops over 19 years in Chicago, found Black drivers were 6x more likely to be stopped by police in Chicago. How will your office effectively reduce gun violence without simply relying on racially targeted traffic stops?
What is the State’s Attorney’s role in addressing the root causes of violence, and preventing harm before it happens?
That is just the start. This month, Chicago Votes has one event after another. If you’re in a hurry, here are the highlights:
You’re invited to a night of ballot info and outfit inspo! RSVP for the #GiveASh*t Fashion Show & Happy Hour this Saturday, March 9th from 7-9pm at the Chicago Athletic Association.
Brunch Banking is happening every Saturday from 12-3pm up until Election Day. RSVP here for phone banking and complimentary brunch!
Our March workshop “Phone Banking for Young People’s Political Knowledge and Train Takeovers,” is March 16th from 12-3pm. RSVP here!
We have tons of voter education and activation events happening throughout the month, including several Parades to the Polls™ bringing first-time voters to cast their ballots. If you are interested in volunteering, jump down to the volunteer opportunities section!
Vote By Mail is now open for the upcoming election on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Fill out this online form so you can vote by mail in the next election only.
Ballot info and outfit inspo (; A night of fashion, Chicago designers, and you beautiful people! You’re invited to a fashion show and happy hour hosted by our #GiveAShit Creative Collective at the Chicago Athletic Association.
Support Chicago designers, get fashion inspiration, and grab a 2024 Primary Voter guide!
Phone Banking for Young People’s Political Knowledge & Train Takeovers
We know it’s election season, when we start getting texts and calls from campaigns Let’s talk about crafting messages people actually want to read. This workshop will go over text/phone banking, to ensure you are crafting engaging and accurate messages, and train takeovers (handing out literature on the CTA).
When: Saturday, March 16th from 12 pm to 2 pm
Where: Chicago Votes Office: 1006 S Michigan Ave, Ste 606, Chicago, IL 60604
Kiara Hardin has been an invaluable part of the Chicago Votes family for a while, but she has officially joined our staff full-time as the Development and Programs Operations Manager!
Kiara is a versatile project manager and organizer known for her creative, collaborative, approaches and prioritization of the Black community. Through development and project management, she works to build capacity in Black led or focused organizations by creating anti-authoritarian systems to support organizational infrastructure. With a focus on the social determinants of health, she’s spent the last decade planning and executing adult and youth learning experiences aimed to close Chicago’s gaps in access and exposure.
Updates on the Work
Voting Rights Restoration
In 2019, Illinois enacted Civics in Prison, offering peer-taught civics courses during the final year of an individual’s sentence. Written by individuals incarcerated in Stateville C.C., the law fosters civic knowledge and engagement across Illinois’ prisons.
Since its implementation in 2020, over 270 incarcerated people have been trained as peer educators, with over 5,000 course participants. This legislative session, we introduced the Reintegration and Civic Empowerment (RACE) Act.
The RACE Act relocates the peer-taught civics courses to the initial year of incarceration and reinstates the right to vote for individuals in custody within 14 days of conviction. In short, it provides civics education and restores the right to vote to individuals in custody.
Interested in joining the movement to restore voting rights to people in prison? Email freddie@chicagovotes.com for ways to plug into the work.
Elections in Cook County Jail
On February 28th, our team delivered 5,000 voter guides to Cook County Jail, empowering voters detained in the jail with information on the upcoming primary elections. In addition to voter guide distribution, we have partnered with the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics to lead hour-long ballot education classes in the jail.
During these classes we review the ballot in detail, with fruitful discussions about things like Cook County State’s Attorney, Ballot Measure 1, and people power.
Voters detained in the jail had the opportunity to vote this past weekend and will have another opportunity this upcoming weekend.
Volunteer with Chicago Votes
Parade to the Polls™
One thing about us is we love to make everything a party, and voting is no exception (; Parade to the Polls™ is a celebration of democracy where we take young folks to vote with music, banners, and great vibes. We need volunteers to help marshal students from their schools to the nearest early polling place!
Sign up to be a Parade to the Polls™ or voter education tabling volunteer:
Every Saturday from 12-3pm we open our office, order some brunch, and make calls to get out the vote–we call it Brunch Banking!
We’ll be calling and texting young voters to let them know Primary Election Day is Tuesday, March 19th and voters are going to be nominating the top candidates for the November elections. And it’s more than just the president (thank god!!). It’s also state and federal lawmakers, judges, state’s attorney, and some county positions.
Become a CCJ Votes volunteer, in a few steps. Start by completing the fully online, self-paced Cook County Jail Votes training. Once you complete the training course, you will begin receiving monthly CCJ Votes opportunities in your inbox!
Chicago Votes and the Illinois Alliance for Reentry & Justice have launched a court-watching program, sending community members inside Cook County Criminal Court to watch judges and collect data on bias and misconduct. The data collected will help in the creation of a judicial voter guide in 2024.
Our Give A Sh*t Creative Collective is a hub for creatives to rethink how we engage young Chicagoans in the political process. The Collective is made up of a diverse set of artists, including designers, musicians, poets, and videographers. Joining gives you access to paid opportunities, including mini-grants.
First and foremost, Happy Black History Month! This month offers us an opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments, reflect on our contributions, and continue to work towards equity and liberation.
And there are plenty of ways for us to be in community with one another this month! Here are some February highlights:
Brunch Banking is back every Saturday in February from 12-3pm. RSVP here for phone banking and complimentary brunch!
Monthly workshops begin this month with our first training “Get Out the Vote 101” on February 22nd from 5:30pm to 7pm. RSVP here!
Chicago Votes 2024 Primary Voter Guide will be released at the end of the month! Stay tuned for updates on the guide and our launch party!
Volunteer with Chicago Votes
Brunch with a side of phone banking, please! Brunch Banking is back every Saturday in February from 12-3 pm.
We’ll be calling and texting young voters to let them know Primary Election Day is Tuesday, March 19th, and voters are going to be nominating the top candidates for the November elections. And it’s more than just the president (thank god!!). It’s also state and federal lawmakers, judges, state’s attorney, and some county positions.
Become a CCJ Votes volunteer, in a few steps. Start by completing the fully online, self-paced Cook County Jail Votes training. Once you complete the training course, you will begin receiving monthly CCJ Votes opportunities in your inbox!
Chicago Votes and the Illinois Alliance for Reentry & Justice have launched a court-watching program, sending community members inside Cook County Criminal Court to watch judges and collect data on bias and misconduct. The data collected will help in the creation of a judicial voter guide in 2024.
Our Give A Sh*t Creative Collective is a hub for creatives to rethink how we engage young Chicagoans in the political process. The Collective is made up of a diverse set of artists, including designers, musicians, poets, and videographers. Joining gives you access to paid opportunities, including mini-grants.
Learn tactics to get your peers to the polls! We will cover voter registration processes and rules, answering tough election questions, and all the resources Chicago Votes offers!
When: Thursday, February 22nd from 5:30 pm to 7 pm
Where: Chicago Votes Office: 1006 S Michigan Ave, Ste 606, Chicago, IL 60604
Phone Banking for Young People’s Political Knowledge and Train Takeovers
We know it’s election season, when we start getting texts and calls from campaigns Let’s talk about crafting messages people actually want to read. This workshop will go over text/phone banking, to ensure you are crafting engaging and accurate messages, and train takeovers (handing out literature on the CTA).
When: Saturday, March 16th from 12 pm to 2 pm
Where: Chicago Votes Office: 1006 S Michigan Ave, Ste 606, Chicago, IL 60604
Early Voting in Downtown Chicago for the March 19, 2024, Presidential Primary Election will open at the Supersite (191 N. Clark) and Board Offices (69 W. Washington, 6th Floor) on Thursday, February 15 at 9:00 am.
Vote By Mail is now open for the upcoming election on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Fill out this online form so you can vote by mail in the next election only.
We publish stories submitted by young Chicagoans, a.k.a. you! You can submit op-eds, digital content, poems, and photos. Selected contributors will be paid $100 per published piece. Pitch us a story here.
Frederique Desrosiers is Chicago Votes’ Policy Manager, where she focuses on the intersection of voting rights and the carceral system. “Most of my work is trying to build a more equitable society. I’m trying to figure out how to change our world to be more just and compassionate.”
Hey folks!
Last week, lawmakers returned to Springfield from every corner of the state to commence the 2024 Session. Lets take a look at some of the most buzzworthy topics right now in Illinois:
Governing.com laid out some state policy trends to watch as legislatures all over the country begin to convene.
Transgender rights, abortion, AI, international relations, housing, and crime are some of the trending issue areas across the country.
The Migrant Crisis is becoming more dire, it’s estimated that since the summer of 2022, 15,500 asylum seekers have arrived in Chicago, after Texas Governor Greg Abbott began bussing folks from the Texas border to sanctuary cities.
Frederique Desrosiers in Springfield advocating for the expansion of voting rights.
Sanctuary cities became a thing in the 80s, when city governments said that they would not comply with federal immigration agencies, when it comes to undocumented residents. Beyond that, sanctuary cities often don’t use citizenship status as a requirement to get access to public services.
In Texas Governor Abbott’s view, he’s testing Democratically led cities on their values and giving them a taste of what goes on at the Mexico/Texas border. This is the sinister side of partisan politics, using human beings, many of whom have been subject already to violence and instability, to prove a point.
Naturally, Chicago, a city that has already failed to meet the basic needs of its residents, is not equipped to deal with the magnitude of folks that have arrived in our city. Our public schools need more support and resources, access to health care and mental health services are not great, and we already have a huge number of unhoused folks. If anyone passes a Chicago Police Department Station anywhere in the city, you probably see tents, air mattreses up against the wall, women with young children, people grilling–basically a community of people searching for a better life, just to be .
Government officials have been pointing the finger every which way. Chicago’s mayor and city council are looking to the Illinois government, Illinois leadership is saying the federal government needs to stand up and provide support.
Now winter is here, blowing her arctic breeze right on our city. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker sent a letter to Texas Governor asking him to stop sending migrants to Chicago during these frigid temperatures, but he probably won’t.
Pritzker did say that Illinois would divert $160 million for the migrants, but additional funding from the Illinois General Assembly doesn’t look promising.
This is what Senate President Don Harmon had to say: “The honest truth is, for generations we’ve been saying we don’t have enough money to tackle systemic problems that we’ve known about for far too long, such as homelessness, food insecurity, mental health issues. It’s really hard to convince the General Assembly to appropriate money to solve problems or a new cohort of people when we’ve been ignoring existing problems for far too long.” Okay Don, so what are you gonna do to tackle these issues for Illinois residents, is it finally time to deliver critical services to Illinoisans? Or is this a cop-out to excuse not supporting asylum seekers? We’ll see.
So, what exactly will the Illinois Legislature do in this session? I’ll preface by saying that it is an election year and every single state representative and state senator will be on the ballot for re-election on March 19th, which is smack dab in the middle of the legislative session. To answer the original question, though, typically in election years, legislators want to get things done quickly so they can have enough time to campaign in their districts. On top of that, they avoid voting on anything “controversial”… whatever that means. Mind you, every two years, house members are up for re-election, so every other year, they don’t want to pass certain types of legislation. Right now, following the the SAFE-T Act that passed in 2021, ending cash bail and several other criminal justice-related reforms, lawmakers are reluctant to vote on anything that pertains to crime, people in prison, parole, basically anything that would combat mass incarceration. Republicans relentlessly brought up the SAFE-T Act in the 2022 election year in thier attempt to paint democrats as “soft on crime” and allowing reckless criminals on the street putting us all in danger (whole time, the SAFE-T Act wasn’t even implemented until 2023).
Republicans were using fear and misinformation to discredit some of the most groundbreaking criminal justice reform to sway voters, they ultimately failed. Illinois Democrats won overwhelmingly and even gained seats in the Illinois legislature. This illustrates Illinois voters are willing to implement alternative approaches to criminal justice and public safety.
Unfortunately, the Republican fear tactics still did a number on Illinois Democrats, who have punted several other necessary reforms, like bringing parole back to our state, or restoring the right to vote to people in prison. Fear has been an effective tool all over the country and it’s been working. Republicans and right wing news outlets and social media accounts have been sharing videos of retail theft to rile up thier base. The lobbyist group for retailers in went as far as saying that “organized crime” was responsible for almost half of inventory losses in 2021, they were later made to retract that statement because it was untrue and had no reliable research to back it up, an article in the New York Times says the number is closer to 5%…. An article on The Hill wrote that “retail theft is robbing people of the American Dream” not inflation, poverty wages, student debt, but people stealing items from stores. Americans excuse stealing ancestral homeland and wiping out indigenous people, stealing natural resources from countries in Africa, but draw the line at people stealing merchandise from corporations. Okay…
Several states have been increasing penalties for crimes.
In 2022, when the Unlock Civics coalition attempted to pass the Voting in Prison bill, lawmakers ran in the other direction, saying they would revisit after the election, in fear that this vote would be used against them, but that never came to fruition even though almost everyone won their seat back.
To me, this indicates that many lawmakers are more interested in being re-elected than they are with passing legislation that would right the wrongs of the past and set our state on a new path. If democrats care about getting young people to the polls this year, skirting past important issues isn’t particularly convincing for the reluctant voter or skeptical young person.
A bill introduced by Rep Suzanne Ness would make it illegal for restaurants and grocery stores to give or sell single use plastic or paper bags. I understand wanting to save the environment and to lessen the amount of plastic waste and promote reusable shopping bags, which I’m sure retailers will sell but at a higher price point. I can see this being potentially harmful to the elderly and homeless folks. Rep Ness, we are recycling the bags I swear! I got a bag of bags under my sink to prove it! Who knows if it will pass, but the grannies aren’t gonna like this one.
Amends the Course of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that all public high schools, including charter schools, shall designate and annually observe a week known as “Workplace Readiness Week”. Provides that students shall be provided information on their rights as workers during that week, and sets forth what information must be included. Provides that for students in grades 11 and 12, the information shall be integrated into the regular school program but may also be provided during special events after regular school hours. Effective immediately.
I understand why this seems attractive, and I actually really like Rep Johnson and I wouldn’t be upset if it passes. The US school system is designed to create workers and train them to become participants in the hierarchy that ultimately supports the capitalist agenda. Schools teach students to be docile, conforming, and obedient. My hope is that one day schools will be truly a hub of learning, teaching kids critical thinking and supporting their creativity, in a democratic way. I hope for a system that doesn’t just churn out compliant students, but responsible, free-thinking, and compassionate citizens who can reimagine the systems that no longer serve them.
This is great day for my shroom girlies! This bill removes psilocybin from the list of Schedule 1 drugs like heroin and meth and creates an advisory board for the Department of Public Health on the use of psilocybin. It also decriminalizes and allows for expungement for folks who have a record of having psilocybin. If this concerns you in any way check out The Mind Explained on Netflix, they have a great episode on how psychedelics were criminalized and demonized in our current culture.
This bill would allow 14 and 15 year olds to work as long as the job doesn’t require any formal education, certification, or license; involve the use of dangerous machinery or chemicals, or require them to stay out past curfew…. This bill was introduced by a Republican representative, which tracks, as Republicans across the country have been pushing to weaken child labor laws. They are saying these bills are an attempt to fill the worker shortage.. I have thoughts but check out the article linked to learn more about why and the potential ramifications of amending our child labor laws.
This bill introduced by Democratic Senator Patrick Joyce, would require folks to have a valid photo ID to use a Link Card at the grocery store. It would also require the Department of Human Services to include the name of everyone in the household that is authorized to use the card.
This bill is really annoying to me. This could only lead to problems and potentially be a barrier to folks getting the food they need. Why are folks so hellbent on putting barriers in front of poor people trying to get groceries? Are there not more pressing things to do in Springfield than add more bureaucratic steps that low income folks already have to navigate? Gimme a break…
That’s all folks! Stay tuned for more updates throughout the legislative session.
It may be a new year, but Chicago Votes is steadfast in our commitment to breaking down barriers to democracy for young Chicagoans! 2024 is a jam-packed year with elections, legislative sessions, and more than a few happy hours, workshops, and programs.
Before we get carried away, let’s lay out all the ways to tune into our work:
Get involved with our programs like Court Watching, Cook County Jail Votes, and Give A Sh*t on our volunteer platform!
Donate and join our membership program, the Clique. Based off your giving level you’ll receive some exciting perks!
*New Year’s Resolution: Seek out knowledge, challenge injustice, fight for liberation, and let yourself feel joy*
Chicago News to Know!
On the Ballot: Bring Chicago Home
“Bring Chicago Home was born out of the growing need to address our housing and homelessness crisis in a real and meaningful way”
Restructure the Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT), a one-time tax paid when a property is sold. A property sold for less than $1 million would see a decrease. Properties sold for more the $1 million would see an increase.
Nearly 95% of properties would see a decrease. The increase only applies to about 4.2% of properties sold every year.
The new tax is estimated to generate at least $100 million every single year, and be legally dedicated to programs that alleviate homelessness, including assistance for children, veterans, and those fleeing gender-based violence.
“More than 300 new Illinois laws took effect on Jan. 1, 2024. They cover a range of topics from public health to public education, pet adoptions, and drug education.”
Some laws regarding the legal system include…
HB1496: Provides the master record file of the Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice for each person committed must contain the ethnic and racial background and the person’s last known complete street address before incarceration or legal residence.
SB2134: Prohibits courts from ordering the payment of outstanding fees, fines, taxes or any costs arising from criminal proceedings for the first 180 days after the persons release from a penal institution.
SB1886: Ensures a court cannot order that a person on probation, conditional discharge, or supervision refrain from having cannabis or alcohol in his or her body unless the presence of an intoxicating compound is an element of the offense charged or the person is participating in a Problem-Solving Court.
Become a CCJ Votes volunteer, in a few steps. Start by completing the fully online, self-paced Cook County Jail Votes training. Once you complete the training course, you will begin receiving monthly CCJ Votes opportunities in your inbox!
Chicago Votes and the Illinois Alliance for Reentry & Justice have launched a court-watching program, sending community members inside Cook County Criminal Court to watch judges and collect data on bias and misconduct. The data collected will help in the creation of a judicial voter guide in 2024.
Our Give A Sh*t Creative Collective is a hub for creatives to rethink how we engage young Chicagoans in the political process. The Collective is made up of a diverse set of artists, including designers, musicians, poets, and videographers. Joining gives you access to paid opportunities, including mini-grants.
Sh*t Talks conversations feature young Chicagoans in conversation about issues impacting them and the city. They offer radical imagination, hope, and realness.
Season 4 Lineup:
More Than Music: The connection between hip-hop, rap, and community is indisputable, but how does it show up in Chicago? How are artists in Chicago using their platform for advocacy and change? Sit down with host Naira, MfnMelo, and Theresa Ashford to find out.
Finding Our Stories: Naira is joined by Makafui Searcy, the founder of Fourtune House, and David W Johnson, the founder of True Chicago, to talk about finding our familial stories, the challenges in documenting and preserving family history, and reconnecting with family members.
Judges & Lawmakers Are Supposed to Work for Us: Naira sits down with two of Chicago Votes’ very own: Camille Williams, program manager, and Frederique Desrosiers, policy manager. Together, they break down the judicial and legislative branches in a way that actually makes sense and make sure you know how to be a part of changing/dismantling these systems.
Black Hair, Our Superpower: Tre King and Elizabeth Tutu are two Columbia College Chicago graduate film students creating a documentary focused on young black individuals’ relationship with their hair and capturing it through film photography. Together, they discuss the cultural significance of hair in the Black community, and the importance of representation in media for shaping aspirations and self-confidence, and more than one hairstyle disaster…
It’s budget season, baby! (Chicago City Budget need-to-knows): Together, Naira and Natalie, City Bureau’s Documenters Coordinator and City Budget expert, break down the city budget process, encourage residents to participate in public hearings, and highlight the impact of budget decisions on residents.
Language, Assimilation, & Immigrant Parents: Get ready to laugh, reminisce, and celebrate the power of language with Sh*t Talks host Naira Bills, and Chicago Votes staff Katrina Phidd and Kiah Sandler! The three of them–children of bilingual parents from the Black Diaspora– dive deep into their immigrant roots and the power language has to foster connections and shape barriers.
Battling Burnout as a Young Organizer: Organizing work involves a lot of pressure, guilt, and burnout. Let’s talk about it. Alycia Kamil, a multidisciplinary artist and freedom fighter from the south side of Chicago, joins Naira to discuss burnout, particularly for people who started organizing at a young age.
What is Mutual Aid? Together, Naira and Trina, a Data Director at the Invisible Institute, a journalist, a native Southsider, and a mutual aid practitioner with Not Me We, delve into the importance of mutual aid and community support. They emphasize the interconnectedness of factors impacting safety and stress the value of building networks of care. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode as they explore the power of love and community in times of need.
Liberation from Chicago to Gaza: Naira engages in a timely and thought-provoking conversation with Shawnee Dez, Isra Rahman, and Stuti Sharma on freedom and collective liberation. The episode centers around the war on Gaza and the trio’s collaborative effort in organizing a youth teach-in on the topic.
Community Benefits Agreement and Anti-Displacement Organizing: Naira is joined by Dixon Romeo and Kiara Hardin to explore the ongoing battle against displacement and gentrification in Southshore Chicago. Dixon Romeo and Kiara Hardin are both at the forefront of the fight against the looming specter of gentrification, particularly in the context of the Obama Presidential Library development.
I Care, You Care, Haircare: Naira sits down with Chicago rapper, friend, and the brains behind Love and Nappyness, Matt Muse. They explore the artist’s role in social movements and community engagement. Matt Muse shares his insights on finding one’s unique place within these spaces, emphasizing the importance of contributing to the community while staying true to your individual strengths and talents.
Sh*t Talkin’ Central
On Class Conflict in the Japanese Animation Industry.
Kenneth Mazerat, a dedicated anime enthusiast and student, delves into the intricacies of class conflict within the Japanese Animation Industry in his piece “On Class Conflict in the Japanese Animation Industry.” By examining the dynamics of class struggle and the exploitation of workers in the anime sector, Mazaret sheds light on the need for organized labor. His exploration emphasizes the significance of addressing class conflict and ensuring equitable access to the means of production in the realm of Japanese animation and beyond.
We publish stories submitted by young Chicagoans, a.k.a. you! You can submit op-eds, digital content, poems, and photos. Selected contributors will be paid $100 per published piece. Pitch us a story here.
Over the past few years, the world has fallen in love with Japanese animation or “Anime”. Yet, many don’t know the working conditions in which this great art is created. The animators in the anime industry are being hyper-exploited for the production of anime. This isn’t a unique situation, but rather a problem of class conflict and class contradictions. As such, these problems have solutions that particularly impact the sources of the problem.
An overview of the general problem is as such, the anime industry is overworking and underpaying its animation employees to make massive profits. This is not a unique problem, for this is a mere expression of class contradictions and the capitalist material interest under capitalism.
However, before the class analysis, the exact labor conditions within the anime industry must be established. “ The low wages and abysmal working conditions — hospitalization from overwork can be a badge of honor in Japan — have confounded the usual laws of the business world.” according to the New York Times
“Harsh working conditions prompted many people who dream of working as an animator to give up. The reason is because the pay is not enough to cover daily expenses. Sugawara explained that a work system like this often causes many young animators to stop pursuing their dream of making a career as an animator. In fact, about 90% of Japanese animators decide to give up their job after three years.” according to TFR news.
Put simply, class is not defined by income, it is defined by one’s relation to the means of production. The means of production are the things that create things. An example of this would be a factory oriented towards the production of bread. Within this context, the means of production is the place in which animation is produced.
Wherever people work, is a place that holds the means of production. It doesn’t have to be a factory, and it could even be something like a Fortune 500 company. The point here is, that within capitalism, the capitalist privately owns the means of production.
This means that the workers who work within the means of production don’t have a say in how production is run, and are instead bossed around and given tasks in exchange for a wage. This creates an inherently antagonistic class dynamic between the working class and the capitalist class. The lack of self determination in work environments is a key problem for both the Japanese animation industry and for workers all around the world
The important part here is that because there is this class power dynamic, there are inherently antagonistic opposing material interests. The capitalist, to make the highest amount of profit possible, must overwork, and underpay their workers as much as possible.
However, as a worker, one wants to be paid as much as possible, and to work as little as one needs to. Think about any time you have been asked to stay to work longer than agreed upon. This feeling is the manifestation of class struggle .The anime industry can be seen through this class dynamic. The owners of the means of production are overworking and underpaying their employees, specifically because the consequence of this results in greater profits for the animation studio.
Yet, because this is a class issue, this issue has a clear solution. If the problem is that workers are being over-exploited, then the workers must organize together in solidarity. This is to say that the working class of Japan must unionize for greater working conditions.
Unionizing is a great solution for this problem because it allows for collective bargaining and the organization to do things like strikes. The workers within the animation industry could refuse to draw another cell of animation, and therefore halt the means in which profit is created.
This means that if the workers within the anime industry want greater pay, they must do what workers in the past and present have always done. The workers of Japan must unite for a greater tomorrow.
Finally, the solution to the Japanese labor problem isn’t unique. Workers all across Chicago have been unionizing and striking for a higher quality of life. Furthermore, the working class has many tools in its toolbox for the fight for higher working conditions. It is then up to the workers within each of their unique material conditions to choose which tools work best for them.
Sources
New York Times: Anime Is Booming. So Why Are Animators Living in Poverty? By Ben Dooley and Hikari Hida
TFR News: The sad life of Japanese animators behind the booming anime industry by Rahma Yulita
This season of Sh*t Talks is wrapping up with just three more episodes! Catch new episodes every Thursday at 8pm! Watch Sh*t Talks on Youtube or listen to them wherever you stream your podcasts.
Become an #UnlockCivics volunteer! If you’re interested in observing Cook County Criminal Court judges, the Court Watching program is perfect for you. If you want to register people inside Cook County Jail to vote, join CCJ Votes. You can even join both!
No C Space this month! ): However, you can fill out our partnership request form to rent our office space (free!)
Our Year in Review
We blinked and just like that the year is almost over! An energetic municipal election kicked the year off and we haven’t stopped building youth political power since.
Throughout 2023, Chicago Votes conducted not one but two robust get-out-the-vote campaigns, relaunched our Court Watching program in partnership with the Illinois Alliance for Justice & Reentry, carried out year-long voter registration and education programs in Cook County Jail and Illinois prisons, released tons of Sh*t Talks, and the list goes on…
We hosted 10 happy hours, cultivating joyful spaces to learn about issues impacting our communities. Most recently, we hosted a happy hour with City Bureau focusing on the Chicago City Budget. Folks watched the budget address, talked about their budget priorities, learned about the budget process, and enjoyed drinks and candy (: Other happy hours have featured election education, fashion shows, and performances by local artists.
During the municipal elections, we hosted 26 Parades to the Polls, organizing alongside 16 student leaders and 23 artists. Parades to the Polls bring young people around the city to vote with music, pizza, and great vibes.
Over 90,000 voter guides reached young people throughout Chicago through direct mail, partnerships with organizations, social media, our online vote center, and drop-offs at Cook County Jail.
Our Voting in Prison legislation received a hearing in the House Ethics & Elections Committee and a total of 2,050 proponent witness slips.
Through Cook County Jail Votes, we have registered 1,615 inside the jail to vote. During the February elections, 927 votes were cast in the jail. That increased to 1,487 during the runoff elections.
We trained 177 incarcerated civic educators across Illinois prisons as part of the implementation of Civics in Prison. The Civics in Prison bill brings peer-taught civics education to the Illinois Department of Corrections. The curriculum was co-written by incarcerated colleagues in Stateville C.C., Dr. Christina Rivers, and Chicago Votes. It covers voting rights history, voting and elections, and government 101.
Volunteer Opportunities
CCJ Votes
In November, we registered 191 people to vote inside Cook County Jail. The vast majority of people inside Cook County jail are being held pretrial (have been accused, but not convicted of a crime). That means they have the right to vote!
Become a CCJ Votes volunteer, in a few steps. Start by completing the fully online, self-paced Cook County Jail Votes training. Once you complete the training course, you will begin receiving monthly CCJ Votes opportunities in your inbox!
Court Watching
Chicago Votes and the Illinois Alliance for Reentry & Justice have launched a court-watching program, sending community members inside Cook County Criminal Court to watch judges and collect data on bias and misconduct. The data collected will help in the creation of a judicial voter guide in 2024.
Our Give A Sh*t Creative Collective is a hub for creatives to rethink how we engage young Chicagoans in the political process. The Collective is made up of a diverse set of artists, including designers, musicians, poets, and videographers. Joining gives you access to paid opportunities, including mini grants.
We meet monthly to strategize, share opportunities, and craft alongside one another. Join the Give A Sh*t (GAS) Creative Collective and become a member of a community of change-making artists.
Voting in Prison Bill
Throughout 2023, Chicago Votes has continued our advocacy around House Bill 39, known as “Voting in Prison.” We met with lawmakers and hosted advocacy days, power hours, and trips to Springfield–all in collaboration with coalition partners, advocates, lawmakers, and directly impacted community members. Despite our efforts, and those of so many others, we did not get House Bill 39 passed this year.
That being said, we have taken the time to reflect on our campaign, have important conversations with our coalition, and strategize with community members in prison. We are taking all these conversations, meetings, and lessons and crafting a new campaign for the same legislation in 2024.
Four Myths About Voting in Prison
Sh*t Talks
This season of Sh*t Talks is wrapping up with just three more episodes! Catch new episodes every Thursday at 8pm! Watch Sh*t Talks on Youtube or listen to them wherever you stream your podcasts.
Latest Episode!!!!
When do you feel most free? What does that freedom feel like?
In this week’s Sh*t Talks episode, Naira engages in a timely and thought-provoking conversation with Shawnee Dez, Isra Rahman, and Stuti Sharma on freedom and collective liberation. The episode centers around the war on Gaza and the trio’s collaborative effort in organizing a youth teach-in on the topic.
They explore broader themes of liberation and freedom, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various struggles for justice around the world. They discuss the need for community liberation and how individuals can actively contribute to creating positive change.
More Episodes…
Get Paid to Create!
We publish stories submitted by young Chicagoans, a.k.a. you! You can submit op-eds, digital content, poems, and photos. Selected contributors will be paid $100 per published piece. Pitch us a story here.
