Gordon-Booth Backed Bill Passes, Empowering Young Voters, Inspired by Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, helped pass a bill encouraging and expanding access to youth civic engagement by requiring high schools to provide voter registration opportunities and information, inspired by the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr.

“In our state, registering to vote is often a simple, straightforward process, and now it will be even easier for high school students to register,” said Gordon-Booth. “With more resources, I hope more young people will continue to vote and ensure their voices are heard in our community and beyond.”

House Bill 4339, establishing the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. Young Voter Empowerment Act, ensures that all public high schools offer students of voting age the opportunity to register to vote. Registering to vote can be complicated, especially for first-time voters. This bill will give high schoolers a safe space to learn, ask questions, and take steps towards civic engagement. 

This bill honors Rev. Jackson, Sr. and his dedication to equal rights and public service, who passed away earlier this year after a storied career marching alongside Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., developing the Rainbow Coalition based in Chicago, and so much more.

“We only have this opportunity to encourage young voters because of the advocates who came before us, including Rev. Jackson, who risked their lives for the rights and freedoms we have today,” said Gordon-Booth. “I’m proud to support legislation that will work to expand voter registration efforts, and I hope to see our youth at polling places later this year.”

House Bill 4339 was passed unanimously by Democrats, with 24 Republicans voting against and nine not voting, and now heads to the Senate for consideration.