Bill > SB1786

This bill, named the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. Young Voter Empowerment Law, requires all school districts in Illinois that include grades 9 through 12 to provide eligible graduating students with the opportunity to register to vote, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The bill amends the School Code by adding two new sections (10-20.88 and 34-18.88) that mandate high schools to facilitate voter registration for students who are about to graduate. This legislation aims to increase civic engagement among young people by making it easier for high school students to become registered voters at a critical point in their lives, just as they are completing their secondary education and potentially becoming eligible to vote for the first time. The bill takes effect immediately, though the voter registration requirement will not be implemented until the specified school year.

Government Affairs

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1786&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104