An Update on the Caucus Bylaws Amendment Process

The Caucus has been working incredibly hard to advance the Bylaws Amendment Process since the start of the 91st Caucus season on April 8, 2025 when Caucus leadership and newly elected committee members commenced their terms. As a result of the combined efforts of the Ad Hoc Committee, the Caucus Legal Subcommittee, Executive Committee and the full Caucus Committee, we are now prepared to present an Alternative Voting Bylaw Amendment to the community for discussion. Evaluating, investigating and determining whether alternative voting options are feasible has been time consuming.

The Caucus plans on hosting two public meetings at Gorton Center on July 23rd (7-9 pm) and on August 13th (7-9 pm). During these meetings, we will explain the process that has occurred thus far, explain how alternative voting methods can be implemented, and answer any questions that the community may have about the proposed Alternative Voting Bylaw Amendment and/or the Bylaws amendment process that will continue throughout this Caucus season.

Given the significant investment of time and resources that we will need to allocate to addressing other amendments to the Bylaws and finalizing the Alternative Voting Bylaw Amendment, our schedule is tight as the regular Caucus season starts in mid-August with vetting candidates for elected offices in preparation for our Annual Meeting on October 14, 2025. Our goal is to present the Alternative Voting Bylaw Amendment for a vote by the community at this year's Annual Meeting.  The Caucus does not want its work serving the community to be delayed due to a lack of funds. The existing operating budget is fully dedicated to the ongoing and normal work of the Caucus, which must continue uninterrupted.

In order for the Caucus to get the bylaws project over the finish line, the Caucus needs to raise an additional $20,000 to support this critical initiative: both the review and modernization of our bylaws and the implementation of alternative voting methods. Although there is certainly external legal review that needs to be performed,  this effort goes well beyond legal counsel. It also includes community education, engagement and outreach- ensuring residents understand the proposed amendments, why they matter, how they will strengthen the Caucus and the Lake Forest community for the future as well as multiple opportunities to engage with the Caucus throughout this process. Because the amendments require a two-thirds affirmative vote to pass, building broad awareness and support is vital to this effort’s success.

The Caucus appreciates donations of any size! We are truly grateful to those donors who have already contributed. Bear in mind, that the Caucus saves each taxpayer thousands of tax dollars annually with the work that it does. Please consider making a donation today to help us complete this important initiative. Together, we can ensure the Caucus remains a vital part of Lake Forest’s future. Can we count on your support?  Thank you!

Sincerely,

The Lake Forest Caucus

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To contribute, you can donate online or send a check payable to “Lake Forest Caucus” at:

736 N. Western Ave, Suite 256, Lake Forest, IL 60045

Please note: Contributions are reported to the Illinois State Board of Elections and are not tax-deductible. If you have any questions about giving, we encourage you to reach out.

Thank you for your support.