Declaring April 11th-15th, 2011 Philadelphia Youth Commission's Youth Voter Registration Awareness Week in the City of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, Your vote is your voice as an American citizen. It is your opportunity to be heard and to have a say in important issues that affect your community. On Election Day, every vote matters; and

WHEREAS, Originally, only white males over the age of 21 were allowed to vote. Since then, the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the United States Constitution were passed outlawing slavery and extending voting rights to former slaves; and

WHEREAS, In 1920, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution gave women the right to vote, and in 1971, the 26th Amendment to the United States Constitution gave everyone 18 years of age or older the right to vote; and

WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Youth Commission represents Philadelphia's youth in public hearings, gives testimony that reflects the youth perspective and serves as a conduit for youth action; and

WHEREAS, During the week of April 11th - 15th , 2011, youth throughout the city will be provided the opportunity to register to vote. Students from the University of Pennsylvania will be in West Philadelphia assisting students with registering to vote; and

WHEREAS, On the campuses of Temple University, La Salle University and St. Joseph's Universities student leaders will host voter registration drives. Youth will also have the opportunity to register to vote at their local Villa store; and

WHEREAS, Youth from across the City will update their individual social media pages including twitter to use the hashtag #whyivote to share their insight on what issues are important to them and why they vote. Youth will also be able to upload video clips to whyivotephilly.com explaining their interests and reasons for voting; and

WHEREAS, As an incentive, youth that register to vote will receive a 10 percent discount on their next purchase at a Villa location and Philly 100.3 the Beat Radio One Philadelphia will provide public service announcements and other support; and

WHEREAS, Engaging young voters and educating them on the importance of voting will be paramount to their voices being heard in the political process; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby declare April 11th -15th , 2011 Philadelphia Youth Commission's Youth Voter Registration Awareness Week in the City of Philadelphia

.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Philadelphia Youth Commission as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End