Welch, House Democrats Enshrine the Work of Rev. Jesse Jackson with Young Voter Empowerment Bill
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and House Democrats passed new legislation empowering young people to become voters this week, inspired by the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr.
“Rev. Jesse Jackson believed with every fiber of his being that public policy is a moral document, and he was guided every day by the knowledge that the ballot is the sacred instrument in that pursuit,” Welch said. “He knew today’s young people have the greatest stake in the decisions being made in the halls of power, but too often have the least say in those decisions that will affect them for years to come. And he also knew that when young people are engaged and shown how to become good stewards of our democracy from an early age, they will tear down barriers, they will continue the march to equality, and they will move us all forward. This bill honors Rev. Jackson’s legacy by continuing his work.”
Rev. Jackson famously said: “On that graduation day or night, we must put a diploma in one hand symbolizing knowledge and wisdom, and put a voter registration card in that other hand symbolizing power and responsibility.” Taking action on Rev. Jackson’s vision, Welch and Rep. Kimberly Du Buclet passed House Bill 4339, also known as the Jesse Jackson Sr. Young Voter Empowerment Act, which 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.
“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,” Du Buclet said. “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.”
