Hernandez Backs Effort to Make Voting More Accessible to Students

AURORA, Ill. – In an effort to increase youth civic engagement, state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, recently supported legislation that would allow Illinois students who are eligible to vote to take two hours out of the school day to participate in Election Day voting. 

“The youth voter turnout in our country’s elections has been historically lower than older populations of voters, yet so many policy issues covered in elections will affect the younger generation of people,” said Hernandez. “By allowing students to participate in voting on Election Day, we are encouraging them to become civically engaged, and allowing them to help make a difference.”

Hernandez backed Senate Bill 1970, which would allow eligible students to leave campus for up to two hours to cast their ballot as early as 15 days prior to an election. The measure expands access for students to vote in any general, primary, and special election, with the exact hours to be determined by the school. The bill passed both chambers and will be sent to the governor’s desk for consideration.

“I want the next generation of voters to understand that their voices matter, and we need to give them the opportunity to see how using their voice can impact policies,” said Hernandez. “Using that voice starts with voting, so I encourage Governor Pritzker to sign this bill into law.”