Policy Radio | Cook County Clerk David Orr on Promoting Voters Rights in Chicago and Beyond

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David OrrDavid Orr, City of ChicagoDavid Orr, Cook CountyDavid Orr is County Clerk for Cook County, IL. As Cook County Clerk, Mr. Orr is the chief election authority of one of the largest election jurisdictions in the US. He has been a tireless advocate for voters’ rights, helping to implement the Motor Voter Law and Early Voter registration in Illinois, among other accomplishments. His expertise in elections has led to extensive travel as a speaker and election monitor, as well as numerous awards. Prior to becoming county clerk in 1991, Mr. Orr represented Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood on the Chicago City Council as alderman from 1979-1990. He served as vice mayor under Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, and following Washington’s death in 1987, served as mayor for a week, during which time he was recognized for his strong and sensible leadership during one the most tumultuous periods in Chicago’s political history. Mr. Orr was appointed as a Senior Fellow at the Harris School of Public Policy in 2013. 

This week, Julie Cooper talks with County Clerk David Orr about his work promoting voters’ rights, bringing modern technology to Cook County elections, and what is at stake in making voting more accessible and convenient for everyone.

Feature Photo: cc/(Heather Katsoulis)

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