TITLE: Designating September as Valley Voter Awareness Month for a 10-year period beginning in 2015.

SUMMARY: Designating September as Valley Voter Awareness Month for a 10-year period beginning in 2015.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The framers of the Constitution established the United States as a representative democracy that relies on civic engagement; and WHEREAS, A fundamental element of effective democracy is the principle that all eligible citizens should participate in fair and open elections; however, the Rio Grande Valley has historically low voter turnout; and WHEREAS, Rio Grande Valley residents increased their registration rates by 72 percent between 2010 and 2014; nevertheless, only about 24 percent of registered voters cast a ballot in the 2014 mid-term election; and WHEREAS, In order to reach those who have not fully embraced their rights and responsibilities as citizens, the community must expand opportunities for voter education and nonpartisan voter registration; vital contributions in this regard can be made by grassroots organizations, by the media, by educational, cultural, and religious institutions, and by other entities in both the public and private sector; and WHEREAS, Across the Rio Grande Valley, there is an urgent need to increase participation in the electoral process; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 84th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate September as Valley Voter Awareness Month; and, be it further RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section 391.004(d), Government Code, this designation remain in effect until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally passed by the legislature. Mu oz, Jr. President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 119 was adopted by the House on May 22, 2015, by the following vote: Yeas 133, Nays 7, 2 present, not voting. Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 119 was adopted by the Senate on May 27, 2015, by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1. Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: Date Governor