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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING TEENS VOTER REGISTRATION DAY
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, 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, 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, which is 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; and,
WHEREAS, citizens, educators, and community leaders to support and encourage the civic engagement of our youth in to foster a generation of informed and empowered voters; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the residents of Cook County does hereby celebrate Teens Voter Registration Day on September 10, 2024, 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.
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