Listen to the event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CblovsYU8mI&feature=youtu.be

Listen to our panel to discuss the chronic issue of voter apathy in local elections. Nationwide, only 27 percent of eligible voters vote in the typical municipal election and in DuPage it’s less than 15%. Local elections have a big impact: Results shape infrastructure, climate policy and regulations, public health and safety, and the quality of area education. So why then do voters shrug when it comes to exercising their franchise in municipal elections? What can we do to address voter apathy in our local elections and create engaged and informed citizens who understand what is at stake?

Panelists:

• Connie Mixon, PhD Professor, Political Science Elmhurst University

• Patrick Watson Political Action Chair, NAACP

• Reatha Owen Field Services Director at Illinois Association of School Boards

  Karin Daly, VP Comms LWVGE, Moderator

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Webinar Speakers

Connie Mixon, Ph.D., MPA (Professor of Political Science @Elmhurst University)
Dr. Mixon is a Professor of Political Science and Director of the Urban Studies Program at Elmhurst University. She teaches courses in American government, state and local government, public administration, public policy, environmental studies, urban politics, and urban studies. Dr. Mixon frequently provides political analysis and commentary for local, national and international media outlets. She co-edited Twenty-First Century Chicago, now in its 3rd edition, which examines the major social, economic, political, and governmental challenges facing the Chicago metropolitan region.

Reatha Owen (Senior Field Services Director @IL Association of School Boards)
Ms. Owen is the Senior Field Services Director at the Illinois Association of School Boards. With a Bachelor’s degree in education as well as a business degree from Pennsylvania, Reatha has worked in education for over 20 years. Her experience ranges from the classroom to working with state-level agencies in the areas of family engagement and school improvement. As a field services director, her role as a school board member for six years allows her to appreciate, connect with, and support boards of education across the state.

Patrick Watson (Political Action Chair @NAACP, DuPage County)
Mr. Watson is Political Action Chair, NAACP DuPage. Patrick is currently leading the NAACP efforts to encourage voter participation and turnout. After growing up in DuPage County and graduating from North Central College in Naperville, Patrick worked on national and local political campaigns. There, Patrick has learned how to combine modern data analysis and social media with more traditional voter education and turnout vehicles to support candidate campaigns. He recently led training for non-partisan poll watchers on behalf of the NAACP for the 2020 election.