TPM has brought something very important to our attention, especially in light of all the voter suppression and attempts at voter suppression that occurred last November:
House Democrats, including civil rights legend Rep. John Lewis, are reintroducing a bill that would expand early voting as well as online and same day voter registration.
Ex-felons would have the right to vote, but not felons serving prison terms during an election.
Additionally, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is introducing a companion bill in the Senate.
Read it and learn the meaning of democracy, integrity and honor, GOP. If this makes any headway, which it would if Republicans actually believed in fair and honest elections, they'll have to rely more on their sneaky, despicable little gerrymandering schemes.
Subtitle A—Promoting Internet Registration
SEC. 101. REQUIRING AVAILABILITY OF INTERNET FOR VOTER REGISTRATION.
- Amends the NVRA to require the availability of online application, assistance, completion, submission, and receipt of voter registration applications.
- Allows online signature through use of state agency databases, submitting a supplemental paper copy, or other state-established means.
- Permits individuals to submit an application using postage-free mail.
- Requires that services be provided in a nonpartisan manner.
- Requires the protection of all information provided online.
- Allows states to use a telephone-based system that provides the same services as are available online.
- Requires that voters registered online be treated the same as those registered by mail.
SEC. 102. USE OF INTERNET TO UPDATE REGISTRATION INFORMATION.
- Allows registered voters to update their registration information online.
- Mandates that States implement necessary security measures to prevent unauthorized changes to voters’ registration information.
- Requires State to send receipt of registration update.
SEC. 103. PROVISION OF ELECTION INFORMATION BY ELECTRONIC MAIL TO INDIVIDUALS REGISTERED TO VOTE.
- Adds a space to voter registration form for applicant to provide email address
- Restricts the use of voter’s email address to official election purposes only
- Requires that voters who provide an email address be sent an email not later than 7 days before an election including the name and address of the polling pace, the hours of operation, and a description of any identification required
SEC 104. CLARIFICATION OF REQUIREMENT REGARDING NECESSARY INFORMATION TO SHOW ELIGIBILITY.
- State shall consider an applicant to have provided a valid voter registration form if the applicant accurately completes the application and attestation and, in the case of online registration, the applicant provides a signature.
SEC. 105. EFFECTIVE DATE.
- Subtitle takes effect on January 1, 2014.
Subtitle B—Automatic Registration of Certain Individuals
SEC. 111. AUTOMATIC VOTER REGISTRATION.
- Mandates that all NVRA voter registration agencies send the name, date of birth, residential address, mailing address, electronic signature and the date of the last change to the information to the chief election officer of each person that has received services, appears eligible to vote, and has not declined to register to vote.
- Requires this list be sent daily.
- If a person on the list is not currently registered, the chief election officer verifies eligibility, registers the person to vote, and notifies the person of their registration.
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