Nebraskans already use the Internet to pay bills, find driving directions and order replacement parts for their balky gas grills. In a few weeks, they will be able to register to vote online as well. Iowans won’t have too long to wait, either. Nebraska Secretary of State John Gale plans to kick off the new online voter registration system in time for National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 22. He expects it will increase voter registrations, cut costs, improve the accuracy of voter records and make government more convenient for citizens. “We’re very, very excited to be part of a very significant nationwide change to improve voter registration and voter turnout,” he said.
Nebraska will become the 24th state to implement online voter registration. Until now, the only way to register has been by filling out a paper application.
Iowa plans to offer online voter registration starting Jan. 1, according to Kevin Hall, a spokesman for Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate. He said the system is being developed in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Transportation. “We feel good about this,” Hall said. “We think it will be positive for citizens of Iowa.”
Arizona launched the first online voter registration system in 2002.