October 7, 2004

            “The percentage of Americans registered to vote unfortunately has declined in recent years,” Hall said.  “There is no better time to make citizens more aware of one of the greatest privileges we have as Americans – the right to vote.” 

            The resolution recognizes those organizations and groups that actively promote voter registration and participation, as well as those communities and schools that have instituted civic awareness programs, such as candidate forums and voter registration drives.  It encourages local communities and elected officials at all levels of government to promote greater awareness of civic responsibility and the importance of voting.

            “The Constitution establishes a representative form of government, and the 15^th, 19^th, 24^th, and 26^th amendments represent some of the hard-won initiatives to secure voting privileges for American citizens,” Hall noted.  “All those eligible to vote have an equal voice in determining the future of our great Nation, and I join my colleagues in urging all Americans to participate in the upcoming elections.”