Didech Backs Effort Making Voting More Accessible to Young People

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Committed to increasing youth civic engagement, state Rep. Dan Didech, D-Buffalo Grove, supported legislation to allow eligible local students the ability to leave campus for two hours in order to cast their ballot.

“Whether it is through marches for gun safety or climate change, young people have shown us the power of civic engagement,” Didech said. “By giving students the freedom and flexibility to plan out their day in order to be able to vote, we’re making voting more accessible to every Illinoisan, regardless of age.” 

Didech voted to pass Senate Bill 1970, which would give students the right to leave campus for a period of two hours during the school day to vote. The Didech-backed proposal is similar to the two-hour right employees have on Election Day, and would begin 15 days before an election. The measure passed both chambers and will soon head to the governor’s desk for consideration.

Didech introduced multiple initiatives earlier this year to further increase youth participation in government. With the help of local high school students, Didech introduced legislation to create a state-sponsored contest for Illinoisans under the age of 21 to submit design ideas for a new State flag. He also introduced legislation to lower Illinois’ official voting age to 17 years old.

“This year, I had the pleasure of introducing legislation that came from students in our community,” Didech said. “I encourage more students in our community to share their ideas about how we can continue making our state better for future generations.”