Stevenson Teacher Behind the "Suffrage at 17" Bill
Government teacher Andy Conneen created the bill proposing that 17-year-olds be able to vote in Illinois primaries, the Stevenson Daily Digest reports.
Seventeen year olds could soon be voting in Illinois primary elections, thanks to a bill proposed by a Stevenson High School teacher. Government teacher Andy Conneen created the bill titled “Suffrage at 17”, the Stevenson Daily Digest reports. The Illinois Senate approved the bill on Wednesday by a vote of 43-9. It would allow 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections, but only if they turn 18 by the time of the general election, the Chicago Tribune reports. Governor Pat Quinn supports the bill. If passed, Illinois would be the 13th state to allow 17-year-olds to vote in primaries, the newspaper reports. Related Articles: Andrew Conneen Named Teacher of the Year Finalist
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Matt Hill
9:04 pm on Sunday, May 19, 2013
As a previous 17 year old (who would have been 18 by the general election) and a former student of Mr. Conneen, I believe this bill is a great idea. Most students in Illinois will take a government course their senior year of high school, and it is a great educational component to allow them to vote while they are simultaneously learning about government and politics. Goal #14 of Illinois's … more ›