HR0809 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0809 LRB103 40742 LAW 73563 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Teenagers represent a substantive segment of the eligible voting populace, and their engagement in the democratic process is indispensable for the sustainability and vibrancy of our nation's democracy; and

WHEREAS, In the State of Illinois, through the enactment of Public Act 98-51 in 2013, 17-year-olds were awarded the right to register and vote in primary elections, contingent upon their turning 18 by the general election; and

WHEREAS, Clearly recognizing the potential of teen voters to shape the future of our State, Governor JB Pritzker made a noteworthy stride toward youth empowerment through the enactment of Public Act 103-467 in 2023, which allowed 16-year-olds to pre-register to vote; and

WHEREAS, In 2024, Letina Brady Pettis, a champion of youth empowerment who saw that teenagers deserved a platform to shape the trajectory of our society, founded Get Out the Vote (GOTV) 4 Teens, a coalition dedicated to fortifying civic education and fostering active voter registration among teenagers aged 16 to 17; and

WHEREAS, GOTV 4 Teens also advocates for observing Teens Voter Registration Day, a crucial initiative to increase awareness of and participation in the electoral process; and

WHEREAS, Observing Teens Voter Registration Day will catalyze a sense of civic duty and responsibility among young individuals, leading to the formation of a generation of informed and engaged citizens committed to shaping a more equitable and just society who will, in turn, fortify the resilience and adaptability of our democratic institutions; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare September 10, 2024 as Teens Voter Registration Day in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge all citizens, educators, and community leaders to support and encourage the civic engagement of our State's youth in order to foster a generation of informed and empowered voters; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Letina Brady Pettis as a symbol of our respect and esteem.