HR0809LRB103 40742 LAW 73563 r

1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, Teenagers represent a substantive segment of the
3eligible voting populace, and their engagement in the
4democratic process is indispensable for the sustainability and
5vibrancy of our nation's democracy; and
 
6    WHEREAS, In the State of Illinois, through the enactment
7of Public Act 98-51 in 2013, 17-year-olds were awarded the
8right to register and vote in primary elections, contingent
9upon their turning 18 by the general election; and
 
10    WHEREAS, Clearly recognizing the potential of teen voters
11to shape the future of our State, Governor JB Pritzker made a
12noteworthy stride toward youth empowerment through the
13enactment of Public Act 103-467 in 2023, which allowed
1416-year-olds to pre-register to vote; and
 
15    WHEREAS, In 2024, Letina Brady Pettis, a champion of youth
16empowerment who saw that teenagers deserved a platform to
17shape the trajectory of our society, founded Get Out the Vote
18(GOTV) 4 Teens, a coalition dedicated to fortifying civic
19education and fostering active voter registration among
20teenagers aged 16 to 17; and
 
21    WHEREAS, GOTV 4 Teens also advocates for observing Teens

 

 

HR0809- 2 -LRB103 40742 LAW 73563 r

1Voter Registration Day, a crucial initiative to increase
2awareness of and participation in the electoral process; and
 
3    WHEREAS, Observing Teens Voter Registration Day will
4catalyze a sense of civic duty and responsibility among young
5individuals, leading to the formation of a generation of
6informed and engaged citizens committed to shaping a more
7equitable and just society who will, in turn, fortify the
8resilience and adaptability of our democratic institutions;
9therefore, be it
 
10    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
11HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
12we declare September 10, 2024 as Teens Voter Registration Day
13in the State of Illinois; and be it further
 
14    RESOLVED, That we urge all citizens, educators, and
15community leaders to support and encourage the civic
16engagement of our State's youth in order to foster a
17generation of informed and empowered voters; and be it further
 
18    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
19presented to Letina Brady Pettis as a symbol of our respect and
20esteem.