Mussman Urges Governor to Support Automatic Voter Registration for Illinois

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – To help streamline the voter registration process in Illinois, state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, is calling on Governor Rauner to signa measure that will allow Illinois residents to automatically register to vote when they renew their driver’s license.

“It’s time to bring voter registration in Illinois into the 21st century,” said Mussman. “Now more than ever, Illinois needs to cut the bureaucratic paperwork that interrupts the current process of participating in our democracy. Pending the Governor’s approval, Illinois will be able to accomplish driver’s license renewal and voter registration in one fell swoop, which benefits Illinois taxpayers.”

The Mussman-backed 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 other designated agencies. The voter registration information would be sent electronically to the relevant 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point out other states that have implemented automatic voter registration have seen savings over time by streamlining outdated methods of registration. While Mussman’s measure seeks to provide cost-savings down the road, the larger goal is to provide voters with more reasons to engage with their government and increase their influence on the process.

“We can and should do more to ensure that all eligible Illinoisans are able to exercise their right to vote,” said Mussman. “As politicians in Washington take steps to discourage people from voting, we must do everything we can in Springfield to take the opposite approach. I urge Governor Rauner to do the right thing and sign Senate Bill 1933 into law.”