From collection Candidates
In 1918 Ellen Persons ran unsuccessfully as a Socialist Party candidate for the position of University of Illinois trustee. She polled 42,116 votes (1.35%). Fifteen candidates, from many parties, campaigned for the three trustee positions which were all won by Republicans, including Mrs. Margaret Day Blake. Persons was a staff member at the party's national headquarters in Chicago. She wrote on women's issues for "Eye-Opener" and "New Day."