Supporters of same-day voter registration called on Delaware lawmakers Wednesday to approve the practice and reject efforts to prevent voters from registering on the same day as primary elections. “This bill ensures fair and equal access for all citizens to engage in their right, not privilege, their right to exercise their vote,” said Rep. John Kowalko, D-Newark South, during a press conference Wednesday held by a interest groups promoting the bill that cleared the House Administration Committee last year. Proponents say same-day registration reduces the need for provisional ballots, boosts voter registration, increases turnout among minorities and young voters, and is particularly effective during primary elections when a majority of Delaware’s elections are decided. It’s unclear whether the legislation has enough support to clear the House.
House Majority Whip and bill sponsor Rep. John Viola, D-Newark, acknowledged there are some “slight concerns” from some legislators about same-day registration’s effects on primary elections. He said he is prepared to amend the bill if it was needed to see the legislation pass .
“You know I’ve always been one that, I don’t need the whole pie, just a piece of the pie, it’s a step forward,” he said.
House Minority Leader Daniel Short, R-Seaford, said he would not support the bill. Same-day registration could create an extra burden on poll workers and potentially lead to voter fraud, he said.
Full Article: Supporters say registration bill ensures voter access.