Let's talk about judges!

For many of us, the most difficult vote to cast is a vote for a judge. Ironically, no other elected officer can have such a direct and crucial impact on our lives. Think for a minute: Who has the ultimate control over your divorce or your parental rights? Who makes the final decision if you’re the victim of a crime or accused of one? Who allows you to adopt a child, and who sorts out the estate of a loved one who passes away without a will? In every case, it’s going to be a judge.

Woo-Hoo! It’s debate week in Bureau County.

For your enjoyment and enlightenment: not one, but TWO political debates this week! Tonight, of course, it’s JD Vance and Tim Walz live on your TV. Tomorrow night features Democratic candidates Brad Popurella (BC State’s Attorney) and Lexi Wamhoff (BC Coroner) debating their Republican opponents live and in person at the Princeton Moose Lodge.

She Votes Illinois features our candidates!

She Votes Illinois is a statewide political action committee that focuses on making sure the political system and legislation in Illinois reflect the voices of all women, femmes, and girls in the state. 

Their current campaign is dedicated to spotlighting women running for office in the upcoming Illinois General Assembly elections. Through a series of interviews, they are providing candidates a platform to share their views on the issues that matter most to women. The series includes interviews with our own Morgan Phillips and Murri Briel. Read and enjoy!

Election Countdown: What’s on Your Ballot?

This week: understanding the three advisory questions you’ll see on your ballot.

READ MORE HERE

Election Countdown! What’s on Your Calendar?

This week: know your voting options in Bureau County!

read more here

Become a Masterpiece!

You say you want to become an instant classic? Here’s your chance. Show your support for rational politics with a Bureau County Democrats T-shirt.

Get your T-shirt here

In case you missed it:

Most of us have watched parts of the DNC convention in Chicago. But honestly — it was A LOT. So just in case you missed these three fine, inspiring and energizing speeches, here’s a recap. Take a few minutes to watch Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Reverend Al Sharpton and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg as they deliver speeches that brought down the house.

Go ahead — make your day!

According to newly-minted VP candidate Tim Walz, Kamala Harris has brought the joy back into this campaign. We have to agree! If you haven’t yet seen their first appearance together, do it now! It will make your day.

Got a headache?
This won’t help.

Sorry. But we are in the middle of an epic train wreck and we all need to know exactly what our country will look like if Donald Trump is elected in November. In other words, even if you can’t find a candidate to vote for, there are plenty of things to vote against – and many of them are contained in the monstrous document called “Project 2025 Presidential Transition Project.”

So. Grab your aspirin bottle and put on some soothing music. We’re going to break down Project 2025 so you don’t have to read it.

Black History is American History

To celebrate Black History month, Ernest Crim III, a teacher from Joliet, has collaborated with CBS in Chicago to create “29 Black History Facts You Probably Didn’t Learn in School.” The playlist is updated daily, so you can check in all month long.

Bureau County, Here Are Your Candidates!

The Democratic primary ballot is set. Meet your 2024 candidates here.

Remember the Judges

Find the Democratic judges who will be on your ballot this March right here.

CALL TO ACTION!

TOMORROW the Bureau County Board’s Law Committee will meet in the boardroom to create a resolution that would restrict any immigrant presence and in essence, make Bureau County a NON-SANCTIONARY COUNTY. Asylum seekers are in this country legally and they need your voice and support. Get the details here.

Early Voting Begins February 8!

Make sure you, your friends and your family are prepared to cast your vote in the 2024 General Primary. We’ve got all your voter information here.

Legislative Update for the New Year

The new year is here, and with it comes a whole slew of new laws that will go into effect. Here a a few you may be interested in:

• Minimum wage for non-tipped workers increases to $14; for tipped employees, it increases to $8.40.

• Any laborer, worker or mechanic employed by a contractor or subcontractor and is paid in a sum less than the prevailing wage rate for work performed on a project has a right to legal action for whatever difference in salary there may be.

• A person, surviving spouse or next of kin for any person who is injured or killed by a person under the age of 18 who is impaired by drugs or alcohol is eligible to pursue legal damages from a person who willfully supplied, or willfully allowed consumption of, drugs or alcohol to the minor in question.

• Animal control facilities may not charge an adoption fee for dogs or cats if the person presents a valid ID or Illinois Person with a disability card with the word “veteran” printed on its face.

• Any person who requires a course not offered by their local community college may take that course at another community college and pay in-district fees and tuition.

• Hospitals will be legally required to screen patients for eligibility for public financial assistance before sending them to collections. Hospitals will also be required to refer patients to free, unbiased resources if immigration-related concerns arise.

Looking for the full list of new laws? The Illinois Municipal League has published an informative guide for you.

Better representation for
a better life in the Illinois Valley.