Local 73 March to the polls with JB Pritzker, Juliana Stratton, Kwame Raoul, 600 more

This past weekend, SEIU locals across the state turned out in the hundreds to cast their vote early for JB Pritzker for Governor and Juliana Stratton for Lieutenant Governor of Illinois. The day was filled with high energy from beginning to end as nearly 600 attendees were greeted by a banda band and the Dunbar High School’s drum line. Janitors, security officers, Chicago Public School employees, homecare workers, graduate workers, and more filled the pews of First United Methodist and then filled the polls at 175 W. Washington to make their voices heard.

Members from HCII, Local 1, and our very own Local 73 member, Eddie Johnson, spoke on the importance of casting their vote early for a governor who supports working people across Illinois. Eddie, a CPS employee and proud Local 73 member stated,

“JB is the only candidate for governor who has promised to raise the minimum wage in Illinois. JB believes in supporting public pensions. JB is fully supportive of our rights to collectively bargain as a union. JB is our obvious choice for governor.”

Joining members on the stage was Senator Dick Durbin, candidate for Attorney General Kwame Raoul, and Juliana and JB themselves. Juliana spoke passionately about the importance of women turning out to vote and JB readied us for the polls by exclaiming, “Bruce Rauner tried to beat unions but in this election, unions are going to beat Bruce Rauner!”

SEIU members are ready to vote out Bruce Rauner and any elected officials who stand in the way of our union power. Kwame, Juliana, and JB have all boldly declared their support for a $15 minimum wage, the right for women to have equal pay, and better working conditions for all families in Illinois. Early voting is now open and you can register on site. Follow this link for more information https://chicagoelections.com/en/early-voting.html