Who We Are

The Skokie Alliance for Electoral Reform (SAER) is a nonpartisan, grassroots ballot initiative committee formed in December 2021 by Skokie residents to address the lack of transparency, voter turnout, and choice of candidates in Village elections.

Prior to our campaign, Skokie’s electoral system had not been updated since before the Voting Rights Act of 1965. A series of systemic barriers put candidates outside the political establishment at a disadvantage, leading to uncontested elections and civic disengagement. With little to no choice on the ballot, Skokie averaged single-digit voter turnout.

Our goal is to update and reform Skokie’s electoral process through ballot initiatives, which use petitions to put referendum measures on the ballot. This form of direct democracy empowers voters to have a stronger say in their local elections and representation. These ballot initiatives are:

Nonpartisan Elections: to level the playing field for all candidates and inspire values-driven campaigns and greater voter turnout
Staggered Terms: to increase engagement and balance change with stability
Hybrid Representation: to provide direct, local district representation while preserving a Village-wide perspective

Together, the implementation of our three ballot initiatives is reforming an outdated system that previously gravitated toward single-party rule. SAER continues to work towards a fair implementation of our ballot initiatives and to realize the strength of our newly updated electoral system.

Download Our printable faq

Volunteer Committees

Steering Committee

Carrie Bradean (Chair)
Cathy Hedstrom (Treasurer)
Ambria Benesch
Matt Jarvis
Judy Mendel
Shelli Patt
Kimberly Polka
Gail Schechter
Maggie Vandermeer
Emi Yamauchi

Advisory Committee

Tony Fernandez
Callie Folke
Mike Koplow
Natasha LaVallias
Melissa Ponce
Nicole Reynolds
Jasmine Sebaggala

And many more wonderful, dedicated volunteers!