March 16, 2018
CONTACT:
Sabrina Greig
External Affairs Manager
(773) 451-3508
sgreig@thechicagourbanleague.org
Chicago Urban League Releases Gubernatorial and Attorney General Candidates’ Responses to Questions on Race and Equity Ahead of Primary Election
Questionnaire is Part of Voter Education Campaign to Encourage Illinois Voters to “Know Your Vote”
(CHICAGO) – Five of the eight candidates for Illinois governor and seven of the 10 candidates for Illinois attorney general responded to a questionnaire on how they would address issues related to racial equity if elected. The questionnaire, issued jointly by the Illinois affiliates of the National Urban League, is part of the Chicago Urban League’s campaign to educate voters before the primary election on March 20 and the general election on November 6.
“African Americans in Illinois face a number of disparities in quality of life, including disproportionately high unemployment rates and more limited access to healthcare and high-quality education,” said Shari Runner, President and CEO of the Chicago Urban League. “The candidates who are elected for governor and attorney general will have the opportunity to make Illinois a more fair and just state for all of its residents, and it’s important that voters understand their positions on issues of race and equity.”
The Chicago, Quad County, Madison County, Springfield, and Tri-County Urban League affiliates sent the questionnaire, along with a cover letter, to all candidates for governor and attorney general on February 20 and received all responses by March 13. No Republican candidates for either office responded to the questionnaire. Of the gubernatorial candidates, Tio Hardiman also did not respond. All Democratic candidates running for attorney general responded.
Click the links below to view the gubernatorial candidates responses.
Click the links below to view the attorney general candidates’ responses.
The Chicago Urban League began a campaign in January to educate voters on the candidates and the responsibilities of the offices that are up for election, with an emphasis on African-American voters. The campaign began with a partnership to host a televised forum of the Democratic gubernatorial candidates on January 23 and includes a bi-weekly podcast called #DearBlackVoter, hosted by journalist Dometi Pongo, and educational information posted online and via social media. The campaign will continue to expand and will run until the November 6 general election.
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About the Chicago Urban League
Established in 1916, the Chicago Urban League works for economic, educational and social progress for African Americans and promotes strong sustainable communities through advocacy, collaboration and innovation. For more information, visit www.thechicagourbanleague.org. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
