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CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, The framers of the Constitution established the |
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United States as a representative democracy that relies on civic |
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engagement; and |
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WHEREAS, A fundamental element of effective democracy is the |
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principle that all eligible citizens should participate in fair and |
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open elections; however, the Rio Grande Valley has historically low |
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voter turnout; and |
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WHEREAS, Rio Grande Valley residents increased their |
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registration rates by 72 percent between 2010 and 2014; |
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nevertheless, only about 24 percent of registered voters cast a |
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ballot in the 2014 mid-term election; and |
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WHEREAS, In order to reach those who have not fully embraced |
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their rights and responsibilities as citizens, the community must |
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expand opportunities for voter education and nonpartisan voter |
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registration; vital contributions in this regard can be made by |
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grassroots organizations, by the media, by educational, cultural, |
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and religious institutions, and by other entities in both the |
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public and private sector; and |
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WHEREAS, Across the Rio Grande Valley, there is an urgent |
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need to increase participation in the electoral process; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the 84th Legislature of the State of Texas |
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hereby designate September as Valley Voter Awareness Month; and, be |
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it further |
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RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section |
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391.004(d), Government Code, this designation remain in effect |
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until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally |
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passed by the legislature. |