A bill that would automatically register Vermonters to vote as part of the driver’s license application process has passed the Vermont House of Representatives. House members voted 137-0 Tuesday to send the bill to the Senate. If the bill becomes law, Vermonters could opt out of voter registration by checking a box on the application or renewal form for a driver’s license or nondriver identification card. Otherwise, the Department of Motor Vehicles would assume applicants met the legal requirements for voting and would send their information to the Vermont Secretary of State’s Office.
The unanimous vote drew praise from Rep. Christopher Pearson, P-Burlington, who proposed the legislation, and from House Speaker Shap Smith, D-Morristown.
“This change will dramatically increase the number of Vermonters who are eligible to vote,” Smith said in a statement. “In a day and age when many states are doing all they can to restrict voter access, I am proud to support this effort to give more Vermonters a chance to shape our country’s future.”
Full Article: Vt. House approves automatic voter registration.