The League of Women Voters of Cook County held its Annual Meeting at Roosevelt University on May 5, 2026. The meeting reflected a year of productive activity and featured an engaging speaker, Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke. More than 90 members of the 12 local Leagues throughout Cook County attended to hear about and show their support for the extensive activities this liaison group pursues.
The business meeting went smoothly, with election of new officers and board members, approval of a new budget, and administrative reports. Seven reports by committees and interest groups reflected ongoing engagement and activity. Voters Service provided information on election issues and candidates for the spring primaries, and the Observer Corps continues to monitor and report on the Board of County Commissioners, its committees, and other bodies. Groups focused on Budget and Structure, the Forest Preserves, and Criminal Justice reported on the various facets of County government that they monitor, providing regular reports to members and advocating when appropriate. The recommended program for 2026–2027 was approved with only minor changes from the current year.
The business portion of the meeting was followed by an address by State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke. In office less than two years, Burke outlined a range of accomplishments that have helped strengthen the operations of her department and make Chicago a safer community. She has hired additional staff, restructured the departmental training program, and changed processes related to cybercrime and to forensics. Burke also highlighted her department’s increased attention to gun crimes, domestic violence, and safety on the CTA. The Cook County jail population has increased during her term, but at the same time, Burke is concerned that judges are releasing some arrestees even when the prosecutors ask for detention in jail. She suggested that too many with a history of violent crime are released on electronic monitoring even though the monitoring system is inadequate.
Burke answered a wide range of questions from LWVCC members, and she impressed her audience with her enthusiasm, energy, and responsiveness.