Starkville High School AP Government Class of 2019 Motor Voter Act; create to establish the procedure for the automatic registration of voters.
If enacted, the bill will amend several sections of the Mississippi Code related to voter registration and the requirements for obtaining driver's licenses or identification cards. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety is tasked with collecting necessary information from voters during the application process, thus ensuring that voter registration is synchronized with other identification processes. This could significantly reduce the barriers individuals face when trying to register to vote, particularly those who may not take additional steps to register separately.
House Bill 1111, known as the Starkville High School AP Government Class of 2019 Motor Voter Act, aims to streamline the voter registration process in Mississippi. The bill allows qualified individuals to register to vote as part of their application for a driver's license or an official identification card. This integration into the existing process intends to increase voter registration rates by making it more accessible and connected with essential state services such as obtaining a driver's license.
However, there could be points of contention regarding the implementation of this bill. Opponents may argue about the implications of privacy concerning the data shared between the Department of Public Safety and the Secretary of State's office, particularly in ensuring that voter information is kept confidential. Additionally, there may be concerns about fraudulent registrations in the overlap of services, where individuals might unintentionally register incorrectly or provide misleading information while applying for licenses. Furthermore, the opt-out feature provided in the bill means not all applicants will have to register, potentially leading to further discussions about the necessity and implications of participation rates among different demographics.