D'Amico Joins Effort to Increase Participation in Elections, Supports Automatic Voter Registration

CHICAGO – With a growing chorus of community leaders, residents and organizations calling on Illinois to increase voter participation, state Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, announced Wednesday that he is sponsoring legislation that would automatically register eligible voters.

“Automatic voter registration allows all eligible residents to participate in the Democratic process and hold their elected officials accountable,” said D’Amico. “This is just common sense legislation, and the bill offers a great opportunity for voters to have a say in the direction they want our community to go.”

Under House Bill 4208, a person who interacts with certain government agencies will be automatically registered to vote unless they tell the office otherwise. Supporters argue that this will increase voter participation as well as provide accurate and updated information for the state’s election authorities. The bill is being supported by groups such as Illinois Public Interest Research Group and Common Cause Illinois, organizations that fight for increased transparency and accountability in state government. D’Amico believes that increased voter participation not only holds elected officials accountable, but helps education residents on the issues facing the community.

“I want everyone in this state to have a chance to make their voice heard and better educate themselves on the issues facing our country, state and community,” said D’Amico. “There’s a lot happening at the national, state and local level and it’s important that all residents are able to vote for those who they feel will best represent their interests.”

For more information about these laws or any state-related issues, please contact D’Amico’s fulltime constituent service office at 773-736-0218 or johnd@ilga.gov.

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