We all must register to vote in our states. It can be a hassle and can even keep voters from exercising their constitutional rights if they get caught up in some red tape.
Oregon Governor Kate Brown is revolutionizing this process. She signed a bill making everyone eligible to vote become automatically registered when they get or renew a driver’s license or state identification card. After they become registered they will be given three weeks to opt-out if they choose to. They can also decide which party they want to register as, or they can be unaffiliated with parties.
This is not the first time Oregon has been an innovator in the voting process. They were the first state that allows voters to cast their ballot by mail. They did that in 1998, and Washington and Colorado later followed.
Brown had this to say about the mail ballots:
“In my role as secretary of state, I proposed a new way of registering to vote. We call it ‘new motor voter.’ It was my top priority, and I am absolutely thrilled to be signing this into law as the new governor. … Virtually every Oregonian will be able to have their voice be heard.”
This is also increasing voter awareness leading up to the May 17 primary. Secretary of State Jeanne P. Atkins said:
“Oregon’s growing role in the national Presidential race is increasing awareness of the upcoming primary on May 17. Our county clerks are seeing a corresponding increase in voters choosing political parties, presumably so they can participate in a major party primary. I hope all Oregonians learn about their options for the May primary and make sure they are registered to vote by April 26th.”
This puts the burden on the government and takes it off of the people. You don’t even have to change registration when you move. Your registration will move with you.
Featured image via flickr, available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic license.
