By Karen Freeman-Wilson, President & CEO, Chicago Urban League
Today, September 15th, is National Voter Registration Day, a moment to encourage people across the country to register to vote. But registration is only the first step. Good intentions alone do not move the needle. Just as putting on a swimsuit does not get me to an early water aerobics class, registering to vote means little unless it leads to showing up at the polls.
Why Voting Matters Now
Historically, some nonvoters have questioned whether their vote matters. The sacrifices of our ancestors have long answered those doubts. Not only should that history should move us, but the consequences of elections are visible in the policies shaping our daily lives.
Federal decisions affecting special education support, food assistance for people living in poverty, and health benefits for seniors show what is at stake in real time. Decisions about housing, public safety, schools, and taxpayer dollars are also made at the state and local levels. Every election helps determine who makes those choices. Everyone we know should be voting.
The Turnout Challenge: Registration Is Not Enough
Recent data show the gap between being registered and actually voting. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 2.8 million registered non-Hispanic Black adults reported that they did not vote in the 2024 presidential election. Black voters were also underrepresented relative to their share of eligible citizens in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 presidential elections. The local picture shows why participation must extend beyond presidential contests: 566,973 of Chicago’s 1,581,564 registered voters, or 35.85%, cast a ballot in the February 2023 municipal election. Nearly two-thirds sat out an election for mayor, City Council, and police district councils.
A Challenge to Voters and Civic Organizations
On National Voter Registration Day, the Chicago Urban League is issuing a challenge to voters and civic organizations whose missions include civic and voter engagement: treat registration as the beginning of the work. Stay engaged until every person you register has the information, encouragement, and practical support needed to cast a ballot.
- Follow up after registration and help each person make a voting plan.
- Explain what is on the ballot and why local races matter.
- Share clear information about early voting, voting by mail, polling places, and key dates.
- Offer rides, childcare, and other practical support when possible.
- Follow up before voting ends with people who asked for another reminder.
From Registration to Results
Registration is only half the job. I am convinced that no member of the Divine Nine (D9), Jack and Jill, the Links, our churches, or any community-based organization accepts half-measures. Registration without sustained turnout work is exactly that. We invite you to join the Chicago Urban League in developing and implementing nonpartisan voter-turnout strategies that produce measurable change. We also invite you to support events that increase voter access and information.
Upcoming Civic Engagement Events
- September 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.: Join the School Board President Debate Watch Party, hosted by Kids First and Chicago Votes at Malcolm X College.
- September 23, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.: Join the Chicago Urban League Metropolitan Board and Chicago Votes for the Judicial Rundown, which will include a WTTW documentary featuring Camille Williams from Chicago Votes.
At a minimum, make sure you vote in every election, and help someone else do the same. That is our challenge this National Voter Registration Day.
Data Sources
U.S. Census Bureau. Voting and Registration in the Election of November 2024 (August 2026). https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2026/demo/p20-590.html
Chicago Board of Election Commissioners. Final results for the February 28, 2023 municipal election, as reported by WTTW News. https://news.wttw.com/elections/voters-guide/2023/live-results
