On a blustry cold day in Chicago's far north side, a motley band of citizens and immigrants held a People's Referendum during the municipal elections asking the residents to be decision makers on waging war or constructing peace. The advisory referendum, xeroxed on paper ballots asked, "Should the citizens of this ward oppose an invasion of Iraq by the United States?"

Despite being barred from the ballot, these individuals took democracy at it's word and created a "shoe box" election. Although their shoe boxes were only located in about one-third of the prectincts in the 49th ward, they were able to capture 9.5% of the total ward turnout for that election. The referendum passed overwhelmingly, with 84.5% of the ballots in favor of opposing an invasion of Iraq.

What may be equally significant was the number of NO votes cast. Despite being aware that this People's Referendum was obviously organized by peace partisans, these voters also felt that their voices should be heard on this subject, and trusted that their decisions would be counted by Secure Future.

Perritt Endorses

Campaign Kick-off

Chicago's Anit-War Resolution

Secure Future In the News

A sample of what you will enjoy on Sunday

October 19th, from 1 - 4pm.