Six Candidates Meet Voters at Roscoe Township Event

League of Women Voters hosts non-partisan forum ahead of primary election

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:50am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The League of Women Voters of Greater Rockford held a Candidate Meet and Greet on February 11, 2026 at the Roscoe Township Community Center, providing an opportunity for six local and county-level candidates to introduce themselves to voters ahead of the March 17 primary election. The event was sponsored by several non-partisan organizations and focused on issues like a proposed 1% school sales tax referendum.

Why it matters

With a number of federal, state, and local races on the ballot, the candidate forum helped inform voters about the candidates and issues they will be deciding in the upcoming primary. The event aimed to increase civic engagement and voter turnout by giving constituents direct access to the people running for office.

The details

Each of the six candidates was given three minutes to speak about their background and reasons for running. After the candidate presentations, school district superintendents were also given time to discuss the 1% school sales tax referendum that will appear on the ballot. Attendees were able to pick up campaign literature and ask questions of the candidates and representatives.

  • The Candidate Meet and Greet took place on February 11, 2026.
  • Early voting for the primary election opened on February 5, 2026.
  • The primary election is scheduled for March 17, 2026.

The players

Jen Blaisdell

President of the League of Women Voters of Greater Rockford, which organized the event.

Christine Haeggquist

Co-president of The American Association of University Women and the event's moderator.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is a non-partisan educational event to familiarize voters with the issues that candidates of both parties are taking to the polls.”

— Jen Blaisdell, President, League of Women Voters of Greater Rockford

“The League of Women Voters believes all registered voters and those eligible to register need to be represented.”

— Christine Haeggquist, Co-president, American Association of University Women

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Roscoe Township candidate forum demonstrates the importance of non-partisan civic engagement efforts to inform voters and increase participation in local and county elections, which can have a significant impact on the community.