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Family child care providers in Illinois could be on the verge of the biggest union election in that state's history. Ballots have been sent to nearly 49,000 providers in the state who give home-based care to more than 140,000 children. If approved, the providers would then be represented by Service Employees International Union local 880. The local issued a report in early March that outlined the problems facing the family child care industry - such as high turnover and poverty wages - and calling for more training for providers and securing affordable health insurance.