From collection Candidates
![Persons, Ellen](https://cdn1.historyit.com/iiif/2/5edfd98ccc4f69.54593064/65428dc980c977.99155819.png/full/360,/0/default.jpg?no_errors=1)
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."