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.”

CHICAGO – Continuing his efforts to fight for more inclusive voter registration laws, state Rep. Jaime Andrade, D-Chicago, is urging Governor Rauner to sign legislation allowing Illinois residents to automatically register to vote when they renew their driver’s license.

“Our communities are served best through greater inclusion and accessibility to the voting process,” Andrade said. “Getting more residents registered to vote in our community helps ensure the families, schools and safety of our neighborhoods take priority, not special or corporate interests.

The Andrade-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 Andrade’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.

“With voting rights under unprecedented attack by Donald Trump and his extreme right-wing allies in Washington, it’s essential that Illinois works proactively to fight for more inclusion in our democracy,” Andrade said. “I urge Governor Rauner to stand up to the extreme-right and sign this bipartisan proposal that rejects the exclusionary voter registration practices of the Trump administration.”

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.”

CHICAGO – Hoping to streamline the process to register to vote, state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, supported a measure that will allow Illinois residents to automatically register to vote when they renew their driver’s license.

“Voting should be proactively encouraged by the government and frequently advertised for people to exercise whenever possible,” said Harper. “The country is suffering from extreme voter fatigue and empathy. A healthy, vibrant and effective democracy thrives on active voter participation, and, by getting everyone to play an active role in government, policies that benefit everyone can be put in place.”

The Harper-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 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. While Harper’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.

“People should not be forced to go out of their way to register to vote; this should be a service provided for them so they have one more reason to go out and vote,” said Harper. “This will give people more opportunities to play an active role in their government, and hold people in office more accountable for their actions.”

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.”