REALTOR® members were encouraged to vote in the Nov. 3 election, volunteer for relationship–building assignments with local, state and federal lawmakers and to participate in member mobilization activities during the Illinois REALTORS® Political Involvement Forum Wednesday. 

Opportunities continue to open for REALTORS® who want to advocate for the rights of private property owners, according to several forum speakers during the state association’s Online Fall Business Meetings.  

The three-part forum featured: 

  • U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-2) and REALTOR®/Federal Political Coordinator Tonya Corder of Century 21 Affiliated in Homewood, 
  • Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-82) and REALTOR®/State Legislative Contact Joe Kenny of Realty Executives Midwest in Darien, and 
  • Illinois REALTORS® President Ed Neaves of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Snyder in Bloomington. 

The association is non-partisan, Neaves said. He asked members to put aside their partisanship when advocating REALTOR® issues and: 

  • Vote for candidates who support REALTOR® positions on issues, 
  • Talk to local Governmental Affairs Directors (GADs) or other Governmental Affairs staff to learn about policymakers and issues, 
  • Visit the Illinois State Board of Elections website to confirm their voter registration is up to date, 
  • Use our grassroots programs to achieve our electoral and public policy goals, and 
  • Invest in the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) by staying true to their pledges, whether as a Major Investor, a member of the President’s Circle or a first-time contributor. 

He encouraged members to register and vote in the Nov. 3 election and offered several reminders: 

  • Sept. 24 – in person, early voting begins, 
  • Sept. 24 – election authorities can begin mailing official ballots to registered voters who have requested them, 
  • Oct. 6 – last day for registration or transfer of registration within offices of the election authority and 
  • Oct. 7-Nov. 2 – Grace period registration and voting. 
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(Clockwise from top left) SLC Joe Kenny, vice chair of the REALTORS Political Involvement Working Group Mike Gobber and House Republican Leader Jim Durkin.
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U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly said Illinois REALTORS like FPC Tonya Corder are valuable resources to her on real estate issues.
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SLC Joe Kenny explained that it is important for REALTORS to have legislators who understand their perspective.
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(Clockwise from top left) FPC Tonya Corder, treasurer nominee Mike Gobber and Congresswoman Robin Kelly.
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Chair of the REALTORS Political Involvement Working Group Matt Silver serves as a State Legislative Contact and a Federal Political Coordinator for Illinois REALTORS. Here he introduces vice chair Mike Gobber (right), who is also treasurer nominee for the association.
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Matt Silver introduces President Ed Neaves, who encourages members to vote in the Nov. 3 election, ask local GADs for information on candidates and support RPAC.