By: Muñoz, Jr. (Senate Sponsor - Hinojosa) H.C.R. No. 119
(In the Senate - Received from the House May 24, 2015;
May 24, 2015, read first time and referred to Committee on
Administration; May 26, 2015, reported favorably by the following
vote: Yeas 6, Nays 0; May 26, 2015, sent to printer.)
Click here to see the committee vote
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
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.
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