Ramirez, Garcia Host Election Protection Roundtable with Local Advocates, Election Officials

September 25, 2026 Press Release Chicago, IL — Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) and Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) hosted an election security and polling location safety roundtable with public officials, government agencies, community stakeholders, and other partners to discuss preparedness and coordination efforts to keep polling locations safe, secure, accessible, and free from intimidation or disruption. The roundtable comes after months of constant threats of the presence of armed federal officials at polling locations made by the Trump administration and the recently released plan for Election Infrastructure Security by the Department of Homeland Security. Just today, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration’s SAVE program, a flawed voters database that removes eligible voters from the rolls. “ In the face of an authoritarian attack on our democracy, it is up to an intergovernmental coalition to protect our elections and ensure every person’s vote is counted and represented. It is up to us to roll up our sleeves and step into the work of cooperation, organizing, and solidarity to protect our democracy,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “Our message is clear: We will not be bullied, we will not be intimidated, and we will not let our constituents be dissuaded from exercising their constitutional rights.” "We all know the lengths Trump will go to discredit our elections," said Congressman García. “But after hearing from the participants of this roundtable today, I'm confident we'll be ready for November. Every eligible citizen deserves to know when, where, and how to cast their ballot, and they should get that information from people they trust, not from Trump's lies and misinformation. While Trump and his anti-voting allies in Congress keep working to undermine confidence in our elections, Congresswoman Ramirez and I will keep working just as hard to defend them." The members of Congress and organizations reminded constituents that: In IL, you don’t need an ID if you are registered to vote. In IL, you can vote early at any early voting site. In IL, you can register the same day with proper identification. You do not need to speak English to vote in any state. You do not need to pass a test to vote in any state. If you are in line before polling closes, you have the right to vote. “We know this administration has consistently abused power, attacking our most basic civil rights and liberties. The ACLU has been there at every turn to push back to make sure that Illinoisans are protected and supported. Access to the ballot is no different. The Trump Administration is attempting to limit access to voting, and the ACLU is working in Illinois and across the country to empower and educate voters about their rights, to protect voting from federal interference, and to continue to show up for all Illinoisans. And, at the same time, we are making it clear to communities that their vote continues the work of standing up for our neighbors and for democracy. Each of us must vote in this election – vote for the policies we want, vote for the changes we need, and vote like our rights depend on it. Because they do,” said ACLU, Aisha N Davis. “All eligible citizens have the right to vote, and at ICIRR we’ve long made it our mission to educate,  get out the vote AND protect the rights of all voters at the polling place,” said Bassem Kawar, Sr. Director of Political Department. “Here at ICIRR, we are committed to working with our longstanding partners, many of whom are here with us today and others, to ensure the rights of all voters are respected and upheld on Election Day. We encourage people to visit the 866OUR VOTE.org website or call 1-866-OUR-VOTE in advance of early voting and getting in touch with trusted election experts.” “Election security is built into every part of our process, from our voting equipment to our well-trained Election Judges and our coordination with law enforcement and community partners,” said Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon. “Our job is to make sure every polling place is a safe and protected civic space where voters can cast their ballots without fear or intimidation, and we will be ready to deliver a secure election.” For the Homeland Security Committee one-pager on the legality of deploying ICE agents to polling locations, CLICK HERE . For the Know Your Rights at the Poll card, CLICK HERE . For photos of the event, CLICK HERE . Issues : Democracy