Connecticut House Bill HB05956

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/17
• Refer: 1/19/17

Caption

An Act Concerning Voter Registration At The Department Of Motor Vehicles.

Impact

If passed, HB 05956 would amend Title 9 of the General Statutes, which governs voter registration in the state. This change would ideally increase the number of individuals registered to vote by lowering barriers related to the registration process. Supporters argue that automatic registration via the DMV is a practical solution to elevate voter turnout, particularly among young and first-time voters, who may find the traditional registration process burdensome.

Summary

House Bill 05956 aims to enhance voter registration processes by enabling automatic voter registration for individuals applying for a motor vehicle operator's license or identity card at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Under this proposed legislation, eligible individuals will be automatically registered as electors unless they choose to opt-out of this process. This initiative seeks to streamline the registration process and encourages higher voter engagement by providing a simple mechanism for those who may be less likely to register otherwise.

Contention

Notably, while supporters of the bill advocate for the ease of voter registration, concerns may arise regarding privacy and the security of personal information provided during DMV transactions. Critics may voice apprehensions about automatic registration leading to potential errors, where individuals might be registered without their full consent due to misunderstandings regarding the opt-out process. As such, clarity on how the opt-out mechanism will be communicated to applicants will be crucial in addressing any potential opposition.