Frequently Asked Questions - Organization
To make it easier for you to find what you are looking for, we've organized the questions into categories. These are the Organization & Membership questions. There are lots more in the FAQ submenu above. Click a question to jump down to the answer.
How is the Libertarian Party organized?
How do I become a member of the Libertarian Party?
How big is the Libertarian Party?
How many members are there in the Libertarian Party of Illinois?
How is the Libertarian Party of Illinois Organized?
When is the next State Organizing Committee Meeting?
Where can I download the Libertarian Party of Illinois Bylaws?
What/when/where is the next Libertarian Party of Illinois Convention?
How do I become an Illinois delegate to the National Convention?
Answers
How is the Libertarian Party organized?
The U.S. Libertarian Party is based in Washington D.C. and generally handles national issues and campaigns. They host the U.S. Convention every two years where the participants determine the Party Platform, elect officers, and nominate national candidates.
The Illinois Libertarian Party has a virtual office and generally handles state issues and campaigns. We host the Illinois Convention every year for the inspiration and education of our members as well as for state-wide candidate nominations, officer elections, and other Party business.
Local Libertarian Chapters are organized at the county or regional level by individual Libertarians. They provide meetings for social and activism purposes and can support the election of local candidates and issues.
How do I become a member of the Libertarian Party?
As a freedom-loving organization, we give you the choice of which Libertarian groups you would like to join:
Join the U.S. Libertarian Party (LP) by visiting their website and agreeing to "the pledge" that you do not believe in or advocate initiating force against others. There is no cost to join the LP, however those who donate $25 or more per year are "sustaining members." Sustaining members receive the national newsletter, are eligible to hold a position on the national committee, are counted when determining the number of delegates we may send to the national convention, and can be nominated for President or Vice President and represent the Libertarian Party.
Join the Illinois Libertarian Party by agreeing that we all get to run our own lives as long as we are not hurting others. There is no cost to join the LP Illinois.
Local Chapters create their own rules and requirements for joining. Some are paid memberships and others are not. Contact your local Chapter for the details.
How big is the Libertarian Party?
The Libertarian Party is the 3rd largest party in America with affiliate organizations in all 50 states. But you don't have to take our word for it, here's what the independent Wikipedia* has to say on the topic:
- In recent elections, Libertarians have run far more candidates for office, at all levels, than all other third parties combined.
- Libertarians have achieved 50-state ballot access for their presidential candidate four times, a feat no other third party has done more than once.
- In the last Presidential election, the Libertarian candidate received more votes than all other third party candidates combined.
*en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libertarian_Party_%28United_States%29 3/1/07
How many members are there in the Libertarian Party of Illinois?
There are currently over 1,500 registered LP Illinois members. Certainly there are many more libertarians out there who just haven't signed up. If you are one of them, join us today!
How is the Libertarian Party of Illinois Organized?
Volunteers to fill the following State Offices are elected for 2-year terms at even-numbered State Conventions: State Chair, Activism Chair, Campaigns Chair, Fundraising Chair, Legislative Chair, Membership Chair, Newsletter Editor, Public Relations Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Webmaster. In addition, each local Chapter elects an Illinois Representative. Together, the State Officials and Chapter Representatives make up the State Organizing Committee.
When is the next State Organizing Committee (SOC) Meeting?
SOC meetings are currently scheduled for the 3rd Sunday of January, April, and July in Bloomington. In October, the SOC meeting will follow the State Convention. In February, March, May, June, August, September, and November, the SOC will meet the last Thursday of the month by teleconference. All members are invited to attend SOC meetings, however, only State Officers and Chapter Representatives are allowed to vote.
Where can I download the Libertarian Party of Illinois Bylaws?
Download the Bylaws (pdf). The Bylaws can be amended at the Annual Business meeting, traditionally on the Sunday of the Convention weekend. All proposed changes must be receive by the Secretary in advance. See the Bylaws for the specifics.
What/when/where is the next Libertarian Party of Illinois Convention?
Libertarians from across Illinois gather at our annual LP Illinois Conventions for education, inspiration, fellowship, and fun. Our next Convention is September 2010 in Springfield. Everyone is invited to attend.
How do I become an Illinois delegate to the National Convention?
The Libertarian Party of Illinois retains sole authority to name its delegates to the National Convention. If you would like to be a delegate for Illinois, contact us to discuss the privileges and responsibilities of being a Delegate.
What if I can't find my question?
Check our list of resources or contact us for further information.