Phone: 312-372-2422 | Email: jyoung@commoncause.org

Jay is Executive Director for Common Cause Illinois. He is responsible for tracking, analyzing, and building campaigns around legislation on issues concerning open governance and money in politics. Before joining Common Cause, Jay served as an administrator for a statewide early childhood program and worked at the state level with public and private stakeholders to develop supports for Illinois children and families with the greatest needs. Selected as one of the state’s thought leaders in building and strengthening local community collaborations, Jay has travelled all over Illinois to talk to families who no longer feel that they have a voice. Jay completed his undergraduate studies at Duke University and went on to receive a Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago. He also holds a law degree from the University of Virginia and has over a decade of experience working as an attorney.

Chicagoans Can Call 866-OUR-VOTE Hotline for Any Issues Exercising the Right to Vote In Tomorrow’s Election

Press Release

Chicagoans Can Call 866-OUR-VOTE Hotline for Any Issues Exercising the Right to Vote In Tomorrow’s Election

CHICAGO — Common Cause Illinois reminds Chicagoans to use the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline, 866-OUR-VOTE, if they have any questions or encounter any challenges with casting a ballot in the election tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 28. Voters can call or text the hotline to connect with volunteers standing by to help. 

2022 Midterm Election is TOMORROW

Press Release

2022 Midterm Election is TOMORROW

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois voters have until Tuesday, Nov. 8 to make their voices heard in the 2022 midterm election. Voters can cast a ballot in-person or by mail. 

Illinoisans Can Call 866-OUR-VOTE Hotline for Any Issues Exercising the Right to Vote

Press Release

Illinoisans Can Call 866-OUR-VOTE Hotline for Any Issues Exercising the Right to Vote

CHICAGO — Common Cause Illinois reminds Illinoisans to use the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline, 866-OUR-VOTE, if they have any questions or encounter any challenges with casting a ballot on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8. Voters can call or text the hotline to connect with volunteers standing by to help.

Illinoisans Approach Upcoming Deadlines for Voter Registration

Press Release

Illinoisans Approach Upcoming Deadlines for Voter Registration

SPRINGFIELD — New voters have until today, Oct. 11, to postmark their mail-in application to register to vote in the Nov. 8 midterm election. Should Illinois voters submit their application online, they have until Sunday, Oct. 23 at midnight. Additionally, Illinoisans should double-check their voter registration in order to update or correct any appropriate information, said Jay Young, Common Cause Illinois’ executive director.

Common Cause Releases 2022 “Democracy Scorecard” Showing Growing Support in Congress for Democracy Reform

Press Release

Common Cause Releases 2022 “Democracy Scorecard” Showing Growing Support in Congress for Democracy Reform

CHICAGO, IL — As constituents evaluate the performance of their members of Congress, Common Cause released its 2022 “Democracy Scorecard,” a tracking resource with the positions of all members of Congress on campaign finance reform, ethics and transparency, and voting rights legislation. The fourth biennial scorecard is produced to help constituents hold their leaders in the 117th Congress accountable for passing common-sense legislation that preserves and strengthens our democracy.

Common Cause Illinois Issues Statement After June 28 Primaries

Press Release

Common Cause Illinois Issues Statement After June 28 Primaries

Common Cause Illinois is a non-partisan, pro-democracy organization. The choice that candidates such as Miller and Bailey offer is not a choice between different views on policy, but rather a choice between democracy and authoritarian rule; a choice between certifiable elections or the ability of ideologue to overturn the will of the people.

CCIL Op-ed: Sorry, but not all of us can vote from home

News Clip

CCIL Op-ed: Sorry, but not all of us can vote from home

If you’ve been on the internet at all lately, you’ve probably seen the meme about Wisconsin’s primary: a gravestone embossed with the words, “I Voted.” The image is dark, but effective. As we have seen, holding elections during a pandemic is risky for voters and poll workers alike. In fact, several poll workers stationed in Chicago during Illinois’ earlier primary have since tested positive for COVID-19, including one who tragically died.
That’s why a growing movement of advocates such as the Just Democracy Illinois...

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