Last week, the Illinois State Senate began hearing testimony on a bill that would automatically register people to vote when they renew or apply for a driver’s license or state identification card.
Sen. Andy Manar, a Democrat from Bunker Hill, said the Illinois automatic voter registration bill (Senate Bill 2134) is designed to “streamline” the process:
“The current process creates an unnecessary barrier for citizens to exercise their fundamental right to vote, and it’s an inefficient use of taxpayer dollars. Automatic voter registration modernizes and simplifies the process.”
The legislation would require people to “opt out” of registration, rather than choose to “opt in” when getting a drivers license or state ID, which is how it has always been.
Noah Praetz, the director of elections for the Cook County Clerk’s office claims the bill “should” benefit the poor and minorities and reduce government bureaucracy.
The bill, which is largely supported by Democrats who control the state legislature, also faces some critics. Among them is State Sen. Kyle McCarter. He cites concerns over voter fraud:
“Driver’s licenses are available to many who are not eligible to vote and that poses a problem. In fact, Illinois law allows non-citizens to get a driver’s license in certain circumstances.”
Even the left-wing Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights has concerns, arguing that undocumented aliens who accidentally get registered to vote could be deported:
“There are many members of our community who have limited language proficiency that they may misunderstand or simply miss the opportunity to opt out of this process.”
Governor Bruce Rauner has not spoken on whether he would sign or veto the bill if it reached his desk. Even if he vetoed, Democrats likely have sufficient votes to override it. 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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