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1
SENATE 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 
 
 
SR0984- 2 -LRB103 40520 LAW 73012 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 SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL 
11ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare September 
1210, 2024 as Teens Voter Registration Day in the State of 
13Illinois; 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.