While some states argue over plans to make voter registration more difficult, Illinois’ political leaders are agreeing to do just the opposite. And we applaud them. In May, the General Assembly unanimously passed a bill to link voter registration to the act of obtaining a driver’s license or state ID. It’s called automatic voter registration and nicknamed “motor voter.” On Monday, Gov. Bruce Rauner will sign the bill, according to a spokesman in his office. He vetoed a similar measure in 2016, but legislators tweaked it this year to get his support. Automatic voter registration means Illinois residents automatically become registered to vote when they go to the Secretary of State’s office to get a driver’s license, as long as they are age-eligible. But wait, there’s more. Illinoisans also will be able to register to vote through other state agencies.
There’s also an opt-out for those who don’t want to take part in the electoral process, although we urge people not to ignore that vital element of responsible citizenship. A right not used is a right that atrophies until no one notices when it is taken away.
The bill will not only make it much easier for people to vote, but it will also guard strongly against voter fraud because people must provide an actual address in order to get a driver’s license or do other business with the state.
Full Article: Gov. Rauner to sign ‘motor voter’ bill Monday.