HR0050 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0050 LRB095 06834 JAM 26952 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Citizen participation in the electoral process is the cornerstone of our American democracy; and

WHEREAS, Unfortunately, the rate of voter turnout for elections in this country has declined over the years and is lower than the rate enjoyed by some other democracies around the world; and

WHEREAS, Germany and Italy, for instance, have experienced a growth in their percentages of voter participation since making their election days national holidays; and

WHEREAS, Making each federal election day a national holiday in the United States would make it easier for Americans to get to the polls, and election authorities would find a greater number of election workers and accessible buildings available; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the United States Congress to enact, and the President to approve, legislation making each federal election day a national holiday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be presented to the President of the United States, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President Pro Tempore of the United States Senate, and each member of the Illinois congressional delegation.