GOTV 4 TEENS and the League of Women Voters of Illinois Help 16- and 17-Year-Old Students Pre-Register to Vote

Contacts:
Becky Simon, communications@lwvil.org
Letina Brady Pettis, 773-368-9245, tina23brady@yahoo.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 18, 2024 (Chicago, Illinois) – GOTV 4 TEENS and the League of Women Voters of Illinois celebrated Illinois’ new law allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote by hosting a kickoff voter registration drive for high schoolers on Wednesday, January 17 at Simeon Career Academy in Chicago. At this event, more than 250 students pre-registered or registered to vote. 

In August 2023, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed Illinois SB2123, allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote with a valid Illinois driver’s license or state ID and the last four digits of their social security number. The law became effective on January 1, 2024. The League of Women Voters of Illinois (LWVIL), a GOTV 4 TEENS coalition member, celebrates the passage of Illinois SB2123 and actively supports efforts of GOTV 4 TEENS to register new young voters.

“This kickoff drive at Simeon Career Academy was our inaugural event and the first of many high school voter registration drives to come,” said GOTV 4 TEENS founder and League of Women Voters of Illinois member Letina Brady Pettis. “Our mission is to get every high school student who meets the qualifications to learn about elections and become a lifelong voter.” 

Becky Simon, President of the League of Women Voters of Illinois, said, “Registering voters has long been an important part of the League's work, and now we are able to pre-register more voters! We believe our democracy is strongest when every voice is heard.”  

Note to Editors: Any eligible 17-year-old who will turn 18 on or before the General Election on November 5, 2024 may vote in the Primary Election on March 19, 2024.

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The League of Women Voters of Illinois is a nonpartisan organization that works to protect free, fair and accessible elections, and increase civic engagement. The League endeavors to improve public understanding of major public policy issues and influence public policy through education and advocacy. Founded more than 100 years ago, the League of Women Voters of Illinois has grown to more than 3600 members in 42 local Leagues. For further information, visit lwvil.org.