Governor Pritzker joins clergy for voter turnout rally in Chicago

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker joined Black clergy members for a get-out-the-vote rally at Evening Star Missionary Baptist Church in Bronzeville. The event focused on mobilizing voters ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, emphasizing voting rights and the political stakes for Black working-class families.

In the upcoming elections, Illinois voters will decide on Pritzker’s third term, a U.S. Senate race to succeed retiring Senator Dick Durbin, and the election of all 21 members of the Chicago Board of Education. The rally occurred as Democrats aim to mobilize voters amid concerns regarding the cost of living, federal healthcare, and nutrition assistance policies.

Additionally, clergy in swing states are undergoing training to assist at polling sites. These leaders may be stationed near voting locations to help maintain order and assist voters during an election cycle marked by high levels of threats and harassment against elected officials.