SCR 42, Huff. Voter Awareness Week.
This measure would proclaim the week of October 18 through October 24, 2015, as Voter Awareness Week.
WHEREAS, The opportunity for all eligible people to register and to vote is essential to an effective democracy; and
WHEREAS, California’s voter turnout among young adults is low compared to that of other states; it was only 41.6 percent in the 2012 presidential election; and
WHEREAS, Californians under the age of 25 increased their registration rates by 8 percent in 2012; and
WHEREAS, Young adults who are provided with practical information about voting feel more prepared to participate and become active, engaged citizens who will benefit California’s political growth in the future; and
WHEREAS, While most youth voter outreach efforts target college students, there is a tremendous gap in registration and turnout rates between young adults with college experience and those without; and
WHEREAS, Young adults are the best resource available to encourage other young adults to register and to vote; and
WHEREAS, Involving young adults in civic education opportunities, activities, and discussion can increase the likelihood that others in their households will vote; and
WHEREAS, People who begin voting at a younger age are more likely to vote consistently later in life; and
WHEREAS, As young adults comprise a larger portion of the voting population than baby boomers, it is necessary to encourage the youth of our state to participate in the democratic system in order to train and prepare the next generation of political and civic leaders; and
WHEREAS, California has the opportunity to boost registration rates among young adults through the use of its online voter registration application, launched in 2012, which young adults prefer to the traditional voter registration application; and
WHEREAS, A primary purpose of California’s schools is to prepare students to become active citizens; and
WHEREAS, There is an ongoing need to increase youth civic participation; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby proclaims the week of October 18 through 24, 2015, as Voter Awareness Week; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature encourages all of California’s public schools to participate in Voter Awareness Week activities; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
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