YOUNG VOTER EMPOWERMENT BILL

Illinois lawmakers are advancing a plan to boost civic engagement among young adults. House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and Representative Kim Du Buclet gathered in Chicago to promote House Bill 4339, legislation that would mandate school districts to offer voter registration opportunities to all eligible graduating seniors. Advocates say the bill aims to empower students and increase voter participation. If approved by the state legislature, the initiative would launch with the 2026-2027 academic year, making it easier for new graduates to get involved in elections. Lawmakers expect the proposal to receive further debate in the coming weeks.