Harper Automatic Voter Registration Bill Becomes Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A measure that will allow Illinois residents to automatically register to vote when they renew their driver’s license sponsored by state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, was signed into law earlier this week. The measure was notably passed with large bipartisan support in the General Assembly.

“Automatic Voter Registration makes voting a more streamlined and enjoyable process,” said Harper. “This policy will encourage traditionally disenfranchised people to vote and have their voice heard.”

Harper’s Senate Bill 1933 automatically registers 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, while giving residents the opportunity to opt-out of registering. Harper has made it a priority to ensure that everyone, especially low-income and minority individuals, are civically engaged. Her law will increase access to voting for everyone, and protect people from voter suppression.

“We fortunately live in a country that provides everyone with the opportunity to play a role in their government, but there are some people that attempt to put undue burdens on the democratic process and prevent people from voting,” said Harper. “The new law will protect everyone’s inherent right to vote, and provide them with a greater incentive to get involved with their government and assume a more proactive role in the democratic process.”