2019 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 11
BY SENATOR BISHOP
A RESOLUTION
To urge and request the secretary of state and the state Department of Education to work
together to develop age-appropriate, nonpartisan voter education materials to be used
by all students in grades three through twelve.
WHEREAS, in order for America's government to be a representative democracy
which is of the people, by the people, and for the people, individuals must be enabled to take
advantage of their right to vote; and
WHEREAS, participation in the democratic process of voting provides citizens with
a feeling of empowerment; and
WHEREAS, an educated and motivated voter is predicated on a citizen being well-
informed about his right to vote, how to register to vote, and how to vote in elections; and
WHEREAS, it is the "policy of the state of Louisiana to encourage full participation
in voting by all citizens of the state"; and
WHEREAS, the secretary of state is to "develop activities, events, informational
posters and pamphlets, and public service announcements for the implementation of an
annual voter registration week … "; and
WHEREAS, the constitutional goal of Louisiana's educational system is to "provide
learning environments and experiences … in order that every individual may be afforded
an equal opportunity to develop to his full potential"; and
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Legislature has enacted several laws to ensure that
students are required to take courses of study that provide instruction on the foundations of
our democratic society; and
WHEREAS, studies have repeatedly shown that early and repeated exposure to such
ideas and concepts has a positive impact on civic and social engagement; and
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WHEREAS, to ensure an educated and engaged citizenry in the democratic processes
so critical to the functioning of our state and nation, it is crucial that individuals are prepared
to participate in the voting process on an ongoing basis from an early age.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby urge and request the secretary of state and the state Department of Education
to work together to develop age-appropriate, nonpartisan voter education materials to be
used by all students in grades three through twelve.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
secretary of state, the president of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and
the state superintendent of education.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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