Last November’s 42.2% voter turnout was deplorable and that steps needed to be taken to increase the number of voters participating in the electoral process.
So on June 2, the California Assembly passed AB 1461, California New Motor Voter Program, by a vote of 45-25.
It provides that adult citizens who have a state ID card or a drivers license will be automatically registered to vote, "if the proof that the applicant is required to submit to prove that his or her presence in the United States is authorized under federal law also establishes that the applicant is a citizen of the United States."
They will be notified that they have been registered, and they will be given a form to return that lets them opt out if they wish, or lets them choose a political party.
If the individual does not respond in 21 days after the date that "the Secretary of State issues the notice to the person that he or she will be registered to vote," the registration as no "Political Party Preference" goes into effect.
The measure’s opponents argue that there is no data to show that automatic voter registration will mean that more people vote, but that the costs associated with communicating with these “forced” registrants will be a added financial burden, both on the state as well as for the various campaigns that have to communicate to these new registered voters. They also argue that voter registration should be an intentional, voluntary act.
Some say resources spent encouraging registration are better spent on voter education.
Now the bill goes to the Senate.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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