Libertarians hold a variety of views but generally advocate for maximizing freedom and minimizing government intervention. This perspective is grounded in the respect for inherent rights of all individuals, often encapsulated by the “non-aggression principle.” This principle asserts that initiating force or the threat of force against others is inherently wrong.
If you’re curious about where you stand on the political spectrum, you can take the World’s Smallest Political Quiz on the Advocates for Self-Government website. It consists of 10 quick questions that can help you determine your political alignment.
The Libertarian Party (LP) was established in 1971 by eight individuals who felt that the existing political parties did not adequately represent their commitment to civil liberties, economic freedom, and peace. Today, the LP is the third-largest and fastest-growing political party in the United States, with affiliates in all 50 states, hundreds of local chapters, and over 140 elected Libertarian officials. Additionally, there is a growing number of international Libertarian Party organizations.
Libertarians champion fundamental American values, including a free-market economy that fosters abundance and prosperity, civil liberties and personal freedom, and a foreign policy centered on non-intervention, peace, and free trade.
You can read the Libertarian Party Platform on the LP website. It covers many of the most common political issues
The national Libertarian Party generally supports nationwide campaigns and operations. They host a national convention every two years where delegates determine the party platform, elect national candidates, and select representatives to the Libertarian National Committee (LNC), which oversees national party operations.
The Libertarian Party of Illinois focuses on state campaigns and operations. They host an Illinois convention every year where members determine the party bylaws and elect statewide candidates and party officers. The State Central Committee (SCC) oversees party operations.
Local Libertarian Chapters are organized at the county or regional level. They typically hold monthly meetings for social and activism purposes and support the election of local candidates and the promotion of libertarian causes in their communities.
Join the Libertarian Party of Illinois by agreeing that people have the right to control their own lives as long as they do not initiate the use of force or fraud against others. There is no cost to join LP Illinois; however, membership is required to vote at the state convention, serve as a party officer, and be an Illinois delegate to the national convention.
You can also join the national party and your local Libertarian chapter.
Casting your vote plays a crucial role in shaping government policy. When you vote for a Democrat or a Republican, you’re essentially telling them, “You’re doing a great job—keep giving us more of the same.” In contrast, every vote for a Libertarian sends a different message: “Increase freedom—reduce the size, scope, and cost of government.”
When you become a member of the national Libertarian Party or the Libertarian Party of Illinois, you will receive Party news via email. You can also follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). For local news, join a local Libertarian chapter. If there is no chapter near you, take the very Libertarian step of starting one.
Our Party thrives thanks to the dedication of volunteers who donate their time and the generosity of donors who provide financial support. If you’re interested in volunteer opportunities within the Party, please email our Volunteer Director. We accept donations online with most major credit cards and offline via check. For all the details, visit our Donate page.
The Illinois Libertarian Party bylaws are available for viewing here.