IL State Rep. Du Buclet’s Jesse Jackson Young Voter Empowerment Act Passes the House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — On Wednesday, state Rep. Kimberly Neely Du Buclet, D-Chicago, continued her work to promote civic engagement and participation by passing a bill that will require Illinois’ public high schools to provide eligible students with an opportunity to register to vote.

“For far too long, the voter registration process has been seen as something that young people are supposed to either figure out on their own or with their families,” said Du Buclet. “This reality makes navigating the electoral process particularly intimidating for first-time and young voters and is one of the leading factors in low voter turnout among young people.”

House Bill 4339, also known as the Jesse Jackson Sr. Young Voter Empowerment Act, passed out of the House with bipartisan support. The legislation will ensure that all public high schools offer students of eligible voting age the opportunity to register during the school day in a safe, accessible and nonpartisan environment.

Too often, voter registration efforts are tied to political campaigns or outside organizations that may seek to influence how someone exercises their fundamental right. This bill removes that pressure and ensures young people have a first-time voter experience rooted in trust, education and independence. This bill does not impose any penalties on schools that are unable to provide the opportunity.

“This legislation is deeply inspired by the vision of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., who said that graduation should mark a young person’s full entry into civic life—leaving with a diploma in one hand and a voter registration card in the other. We are not telling anyone who to vote for. We are making sure they understand their voice matters and that they have a place in our democracy,” said Du Buclet. “At a time when many are losing faith in our institutions, we have a responsibility to meet young people in this moment and equip them with the tools they need to participate. This bill is about building civic habits, strengthening our communities and making sure that our young people understand the power of their voice and the responsibility that comes with it.”