Halpin Backs Bill to Bring Automatic Voter Registration to Illinois

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – Hoping to streamline the process to register to vote, state Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, supported a measure that will allow Illinois residents to automatically register to vote when they renew their driver’s license.

“Even the most politically active citizens can often forget to reregister at a new address once they have moved. This small oversight can make someone ineligible to voice their opinion in a national election, and I don’t think that’s fair,” said Halpin. “This method of voter registration will ensure folks are registered to their current address, and will make registering more fair and accessible.”

Senate Bill 1933 would allow the state to automatically register eligible voters while they are applying for, updating or renewing driver’s licenses or state IDs with the Secretary of State and at other designated agencies. The voter registration information would be sent electronically to the applicable election authority.  Illinoisans who do not wish to register would have the opportunity to opt out.

Currently, the state’s voter registration process operates on an opt-in system, in which citizens can register online or by providing paperwork in person or by mail. Advocates for the bill point out other states that have implemented automatic voter registration have seen savings over time by streamlining outdated methods of registration.

“Not only is automatic voter registration easier for the individual, it will also serve to streamline the process of voter registration for the county,” said Halpin. “I am proud to support this bill, and look forward to seeing it successfully implemented.”