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Civic Engagement

BGA’s Civic Engagement team works to bridge the gap between people and their government.

We foster knowledge, opportunity and agency with independent projects, such as databases and digital tools, educational events and community building. We also coordinate with and amplify the work of BGA’s Policy team and Newsroom.

Backstory

The Office of the State’s Attorney of Cook County

Explaining what the state’s attorney does, the scope of the office's powers, and more.
November 2, 2018
Civic Engagement

What to Know Before You Go to the Polls

Illinois Votes is your nonpartisan one-stop shop for elections in Illinois. Research candidates, get poll place information and ask questions about the midterms, November 6.
Oct 29, 2018 12:00 AM
What the Gov

What the Gov: I’m New to Illinois… How Do I Vote?!

New voters regularly move to Illinois hoping to exercise their right to vote. Here’s what you should know about being registered in two states and how to cast a ballot in Illinois.
Oct 26, 2018 4:00 PM
What the Gov

What the Gov: If I Voted Republican in a Primary, Can I Vote Democrat in the General?

Illinois primary elections force voters to ask for a partisan ballot. From primaries to the general in November, here’s what you should know about party identification and voting.
Oct 19, 2018 3:30 PM
Backstory

Townships

Explaining how a township differs from a town, whether townships are important, and more.
October 18, 2018
Podcast

Special Episode: Judy Woodruff, Al Hunt & Andy Shaw at the BGA Luncheon

This special episode of Ready Set Gov was recorded live at BGA's 95th Anniversary Luncheon. BGA's past President, Andy Shaw sat down with Washington's "first couple of news."
Oct 18, 2018 2:30 PM
Backstory

U.S. Census

Explaining how U.S. Census data is used, how it impacts Illinois, and more.
October 18, 2018
What the Gov

What the Gov: Is the Illinois Board of Elections Ready For Hackers in November?

The state diagnosed problems and got federal money to address them. But the election is just weeks away and the state is racing to scale cybersecurity programs statewide, especially for local bodies with the greatest need. It’s unclear whether they’ll get this done by Nov. 6.
Oct 2, 2018 4:30 PM
Podcast

John Conroy on the Death of Jon Burge: Chicago’s Sad Legacy of Police Torture

On this episode of Ready Set Gov we interview John Conroy, a journalist who's written extensively on Chicago PD, about the recent death of former CPD Commander Jon Burge.
Sep 20, 2018 5:15 PM
Backstory

Campaign Finance

Explaining the rules of giving to campaigns, how to look up specific campaign contributions and expenditures, and more.
August 7, 2018