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.