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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, Current Illinois law allows 16-year olds to 
11pre-register to vote; and
 
12    WHEREAS, In 2024, Letina Brady Pettis, a champion of youth 
13empowerment who saw that teenagers deserved a platform to 
14shape the trajectory of our society, founded Get Out the Vote 
15(GOTV) 4 Teens, a coalition dedicated to fortifying civic 
16education and fostering active voter registration among 
17teenagers aged 16 to 17; and
 
18    WHEREAS, GOTV 4 Teens also advocates for observing Teens 
19Voter Registration Day, a crucial initiative to increase 
20awareness of and participation in the electoral process; and
 
 
 
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1    WHEREAS, Observing Teens Voter Registration Day will 
2catalyze a sense of civic duty and responsibility among young 
3individuals, leading to the formation of a generation of 
4informed and engaged citizens committed to shaping a more 
5equitable and just society who will, in turn, fortify the 
6resilience and adaptability of our democratic institutions; 
7therefore, be it
 
8    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL 
9ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare September 
1010, 2024 as Teens Voter Registration Day in the State of 
11Illinois; and be it further
 
12    RESOLVED, That we urge all citizens, educators, and 
13community leaders to support and encourage the civic 
14engagement of our State's youth in order to foster a 
15generation of informed and empowered voters; and be it further
 
16    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
17presented to Letina Brady Pettis as a symbol of our respect and 
18esteem.