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

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Sharon Chung, D-Bloomington, 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.

“This bill continues the important work that some schools have already started, encouraging civic engagement at a time when democracy is being tested,” said Chung. “Our civic duty as legislators is to ensure our young people are aware of their civic duties and have the ability to register to vote before they graduate from high school.”

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, among other significant accomplishments.

“I am a staunch supporter of the young people of our state being civically engaged and am proud to support legislation supported by civil rights giant Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.” said Chung. “Giving the next generation the opportunity to register to vote is crucial because every voice matters, and every Illinoisan’s voice should be heard at the ballot box.”

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.