Iowans soon will have the opportunity to register to vote online, provided they have a driver’s or state-issued operator’s license, thanks to a rule approved Tuesday by a state commission. The five-member voter registration commission unanimously approved a new rule that uses the transportation department’s database to allow state residents with government-issued identification to register to vote online. The Secretary of State’s Office said it hopes to have the program in place in time for the 2016 elections, which will include an open-seat race for the White House. “This is obviously another major step toward the goal we all share … to encourage as much (voter) participation as we can. This is one more step toward that,” Secretary of State Paul Pate said. “We’re going to be very aggressive and work with the DOT. That’s what this really is about, so we can keep the timetable moving.
“We want to get it out there. Really, the tough part is ahead of us. But this is definitely a good, positive step.”
The tough part of which Pate spoke includes implementation. The soonest the program will roll out will be the first quarter of 2016, an official from the Secretary of State’s Office said Tuesday.
The Iowa Department of Transportation, which will play a significant role in implementing the program, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
Full Article: Online voter registration program approved.