REALTOR® members were encouraged to vote in the Nov. 3 election, volunteer for relationship–building assignments with local, state and federal lawmakers and to participate in member mobilization activities during the Illinois REALTORS® Political Involvement Forum Wednesday.
Opportunities continue to open for REALTORS® who want to advocate for the rights of private property owners, according to several forum speakers during the state association’s Online Fall Business Meetings.
The three-part forum featured:
- U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-2) and REALTOR®/Federal Political Coordinator Tonya Corder of Century 21 Affiliated in Homewood,
- Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-82) and REALTOR®/State Legislative Contact Joe Kenny of Realty Executives Midwest in Darien, and
- Illinois REALTORS® President Ed Neaves of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Snyder in Bloomington.
The association is non-partisan, Neaves said. He asked members to put aside their partisanship when advocating REALTOR® issues and:
- Vote for candidates who support REALTOR® positions on issues,
- Talk to local Governmental Affairs Directors (GADs) or other Governmental Affairs staff to learn about policymakers and issues,
- Visit the Illinois State Board of Elections website to confirm their voter registration is up to date,
- Use our grassroots programs to achieve our electoral and public policy goals, and
- Invest in the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) by staying true to their pledges, whether as a Major Investor, a member of the President’s Circle or a first-time contributor.
He encouraged members to register and vote in the Nov. 3 election and offered several reminders:
- Sept. 24 – in person, early voting begins,
- Sept. 24 – election authorities can begin mailing official ballots to registered voters who have requested them,
- Oct. 6 – last day for registration or transfer of registration within offices of the election authority and
- Oct. 7-Nov. 2 – Grace period registration and voting.
