Local leaders push for passage of bill that would require high schools to offer voter registration opportunities

CHICAGO — Wednesday is National Teen Voter Registration Day and local leaders are using the opportunity to push for the passage of a Senate bill that would require high schools to offer non-partisan voter registration.

The future of Senate Bill 1786 is still uncertain, but if passed, high schools in the state would be required to provide students with non-partisan voter registration opportunities.

In Illinois, 16-year-olds are eligible to pre-register to vote. 17-year-olds are able to register and cast ballots in next year’s primary election, but only as long as they turn 18 on or before the date of the general or consolidated election.

As local leaders pushed for the bill’s passage on Wednesday, a voter registration event was held for students at Corliss High School in Pullman.

Cook County commissioners are now acknowledging September 10 as a designated day for teens to be recognized, empowered and to register.

Commissioners are now calling on the legislature to pass the bill, adding that it would increase voter turnout no matter the political party.