This year, if you’re a Republican you will be receiving a mailing from the Winnebago County Republican Party urging you to vote by mail. To some of us, this may seem counterintuitive as Republicans have traditionally taken great pride in getting out to the polls and voting specifically on Election Day. But as you know, 2020 is a year unlike any other and things have changed.
This year’s rimary election took place March 17, days after Gov. JB Pritzker declared a health emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of us opted to stay home and skip the election altogether, too late to vote by mail. Consequently, Republican turnout was at an all-time low. This is something we simply cannot allow in November.
But fear not. As trying times bring out the best in people, local Republican leaders have banded together with this campaign you will see in the mail. Please read this piece carefully, as we simply cannot take a chance on Election Day.
Understandably, many of you may be concerned about mail-in voting. Those concerns are not unfounded. In Illinois, we can request a ballot sent directly to our homes, or even mailed while we are away. Our local election authorities also have safeguards in place that prohibit other concerns such as duplicate voting and even require a signature. Ronald Reagan once said that it is not important how you vote, but that you do indeed vote. With so many issues facing our country, state, and county, this year the “how” needs to be by mail to ensure our vote counts.
Republicans are also particularly concerned about the attacks on our men and women in law enforcement. An extremist group has promised “No peace” at the homes of Rockford aldermen, the mayor, City Market and elsewhere across the community. They are imitating the actions of other extremists in Seattle and throughout the country. With over 600 people in attendance, Republicans and Republican elected officials alike attended a “Back the Blue” rally to help raise the morale of those who have been wrongly judged by the actions of a small few in their ranks. This should not have been a partisan issue, but sadly there were no Democrat officials in attendance.
State Rep. John Cabello delivered a passionate speech at the rally to support these brave men and women. Instead of joining him and criticizing the “No peace” extremists, Democrats inexplicably chose to call for Cabello to resign. Strangely, we don’t hear a thing from them when party boss Mike Madigan is under serious investigation for corruption, yet when Cabello stands up for law enforcement at this event and on social media they come out to attack? This kind of madness is exactly why a Republican vote is more important than ever.
Now is the time for us to join together to save our community the right way! Support equality for everyone, back our men and women in law enforcement, and most importantly, let our voices be heard this November — send in the vote.
For more information, go to www.SendTheVote.com.
Eli Nicolosi
Chairman – WCRCC
