 Members of a Senate subcommittee took testimony Tuesday on the proposal in
Chicago.
Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, said the legislation — Senate Bill 2134 —
streamlines and simplifies voter registration, removes barriers and makes the
process more efficient for taxpayers.
Illinois operates on an opt-in system, in which Illinois Secretary of State
licensing personnel offer people the chance to register to vote.
Under the bill sponsored by Manar and Sen. Daniel Biss, D-Evanston, the system
would be switched to opt-out. In other words, a person would be registered to
vote at the time he or she obtains or updates a driver’s license unless the
person chooses not to register.
Automatic registration would not be available for people seeking the temporary
or visitor driver’s license available to undocumented immigrants.
Manar said the bill does not change voting eligibility requirements, does not
eliminate current forms of registration and explicitly allows people to opt out
if they choose.
“Fifty years after the Voting Rights Act and we’re still fighting for the most
foundational of all American rights, access to the voting booth,” said Noah
Praetz, who testified in support of the bill on behalf of the Cook County
Clerk’s Office.
The young, the poor and minorities are those with greatest difficulty getting
and staying registered, and that’s largely because they move so often, Praetz
said.
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 He argued automatic voter registration by way of the driver
licensing system is a win for everyone:
— Drivers and voters, because it’s easy, accurate and easily kept
current;
— The state, because it cuts down on duplicated efforts and
paperwork;
— Elected officers and campaigns, because it gives them an accurate
picture of voters.
Under current law, applicants must provide two documents proving
residence and documents listing their signature, date of birth and
Social Security number in order to apply for an Illinois driver’s
license.
Voter registration only requires two forms of ID, neither of which
need to be proof of residency.
Illinois has 7.6 million registered voters, and there are 9.7
million residents of the state 18 years of age and older, Manar
said.
No one spoke in opposition to the bill at Tuesday’s hearing, which
was for the purpose of information only and did not include a vote.
Sen. Chris Nybo, R-Elmhurst, said the GOP would be keeping an eye on
concerns such as cost, efficiency and making sure that only eligible
citizens are availed the right to vote.
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