Lobbying group sues to canvass for Quinn in Orland Park

A liberal political lobbying organization has filed a federal lawsuit against Orland Park, claiming officials have prevented their workers from going door-to-door in the southwest suburb to canvass for Gov. Pat Quinn ahead of November’s election.

On Aug. 11, Orland Park police stopped a Working America canvasser going door-to-door with fliers and ticketed the worker for violating a village code against soliciting, according to the suit filed Friday in U.S. District Court.

Working America is a Washington-based workers advocacy organization that lobbies for political issues that “challenge the corporate agenda,” according to its official website.

The group says it “needs to effectively canvass Orland Park” in support of Quinn between now and the Nov. 4 election for governor.

An Orland Park ordinance requires people to register with the village and obtain a license before distributing books or pamphlets, including “support for political, charitable or other causes not involving the solicitation of funds.” People who register with the village must also wear a badge while going door-to-door, a “tremendous burden on protected expression,” according to Working America.

A representative for the village could not immediately be reached for comment Friday evening.

Working America claims the village has infringed on their First and Fourteenth amendment rights by limiting “anonymous and spontaneous core political speech,” the suit says.

The group is seeking an injunction against Orland Park from interfering with canvassing efforts, along with an unspecified amount of money in punitive damages and court costs.