In efforts to further increase political engagement and participation, State Representative Carol Sente, D-Vernon Hills, has introduced legislation to expand upon her initiative to allow 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections, if they will be 18 by the general election.
“All too often young adults express frustration that their voices do not matter or that they do not have the power to make a difference,” Sente said. “This legislation will help to renew the faith these students have in the Democratic system by allowing them the ability to participate in the entire election cycle.”
Last year, Sente championed House Bill 226 (now Public Act 98-0051) in a bipartisan, bicameral fashion in partnership with students from Adlai E. Stevenson High School. This year, Sente hopes to complete the initiative through the introduction of House Bill 4276, which extends the concept beyond general primaries to also include consolidated and non-partisan primary elections.
Find out what's happening in Buffalo Grovefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“As an indication of their interest, it is quite exciting to read recent reports that over 8,000 young adults have registered to vote since this law went into effect,” Sente said. “By allowing young adults the opportunity to participate in both the electoral and legislative processes from an early age, I am hopeful that they will develop a lifelong habit of civic engagement.”
For more information, please contact Sente’s full-time constituent service office at (847) 478-9909, or email RepSente@gmail.com.
