Manley Encourages Young Voter Participation, Backs Plan to Provide Registration Information for Qualified High Schoolers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Eligible graduating high school students would be provided the opportunity to register to vote by their school under a plan backed by state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet.

“It’s important for young people to be civically-engaged and able to vote so that their voice is heard,” Manley said. “This measure makes it easier for them to get registered, and will hopefully kickstart a lifetime of participation in our voting process.”

Under House Bill 4339, beginning next school year high schools would be required to provide all eligible graduating students with the nonpartisan opportunity to register to vote.

Manley cosponsored and voted for the measure, which has been dubbed the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. Young Voter Empowerment Law to recognize the civic activism and contributions of the late civil rights leader.

“This is an important step forward, because not every teenager has access to transportation or understands where to go to register,” Manley said. “Our high schools reach nearly every young person, so let’s remove possible barriers and give everyone an upfront opportunity to register. This is healthy for our democracy.”  

House Bill 4339 passed the House Wednesday, and will head to the Senate for consideration.

For more information, please contact repmanley@gmail.com.