SR0984 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0984 LRB103 40520 LAW 73012 r

SENATE 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 SENATE 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.