Illinois State Rep. Introduces Legislation To Empower Young Voters
Illinois State Rep. Introduces Legislation To Empower Young Voters
By Tia Carol Jones
Illinois State Representative Kimberly DuBuclet has introduced legislation in Springfield that would make voting more accessible to graduating high school students. The goal of the legislation is to engage students in the political process early. The Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. Young Voter Empowerment Act, or HB 4339, would offer high school students who are eligible the opportunity to vote. DuBuclet introduced the legislation in January and upon passage, it would be effective immediately.
On Saturday, Feb. 21st, DuBuclet and the Illinois Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch, along with Cook County Commissioner Tara Stamps and Dr. Jo Ann Roberts, PhD., the Chairperson Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Young Voter Empowerment Coalition, were at the Rainbow Push Coalition to call for the Illinois General Assembly to pass the legislation. On Feb. 24th, the legislation was assigned to the Ethics & Elections Committee.
Speaker of the House Welch said the legislation is important because it is one of the ways to continue and carry out Jackson’s legacy, because voter registration and enlarging the electorate was what Jackson was all about. He said he was thankful that DuBuclet was leading the charge introducing the legislation, and he is playing a supporting role and is the chief co-sponsor of the legislation.
“I believe in the work that she is doing on this matter, and I think it is one of the ways that we can show respect for Rev. Jackson. I also believe it is the right thing to do, at the time that we’re in, in this country,” Welch said.
DuBuclet said most young students and young adults do not have any exposure to the political or voting process and do not know how to register to vote, how to get involved or have their voices heard. She said that what Jackson always wanted was for students to graduate with a diploma in one hand and a voter’s registration card in the other. She said that she is honoring Rev. Jackson’s legacy by doing the work that he started.
“This is a way for us to expand the electorate, catch young people early, so they can get involved, and to expose them early on, so that they know, in a very easy and no obstacles way, how to register to vote,” DuBuclet said. She said the legislation is non-partisan and is something that is meant to provide opportunities for access for high school students.
Speaker Welch said that legacy is not something that should be admired from a distance, it is something that should be continued. He said the legislation is a great way to continue Rev. Jackson’s legacy. He added that he does not know of anyone other than Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who fought harder for people to have the right to vote, than Jackson. He said that Rev. Jackson was continuing the legacy of Dr. King and as the baton was passed to Rev. Jackson, DuBuclet is taking the baton and moving forward with this legislation. He said it is time for the Illinois General Assembly to make sure Rev. Jackson’s legacy lives on.
DuBuclet said that being at Rainbow Push on that Saturday after Rev. Jackson’s passing to call for support of the legislation was invigorating and uplifting. She said she has been feeling the support since she introduced the legislation in January. She said it has been uplifting and inspiring to be able to push the bill forward, especially given the time.
Welch said that it was a solemn occasion, being the first time people had gathered since Rev. Jackson’s passing. He said it was an honor for him and DuBuclet to be on the stage, standing there with the Jackson family, clergy and advocates who are fighting to continue his legacy.
“We must protect voting rights in every single neighborhood. It starts with expanding the right to vote, making sure young people have the right to register to vote and then vote. There’s no place that signifies the seriousness of the matter than the National Headquarters of Operation Push,” Welch said.
DuBuclet said that a major barrier to young people voting is confusion about the process. She said that barrier is one of the reasons for the youth voter turnout gap. She said that voting should not be dependent on someone’s zip code or salary status, it should be open to everyone. Welch said that in closing the gap between young people voting, it brings people closer to a Rainbow Coalition where everyone is engaged and empowered. DuBuclet said her goal is to get the bill out of committee in mid-March. Once it passes the House, the process repeats itself in the Senate.
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