Comment from Rose Eilts

I strongly support online voter registration that is open to all. Unfortunately, many states are restricting online voter registration to those who have a driver’s license, which means that many eligible voters can’t register online. Not only does this substantially reduce the effectiveness of online registration, it also raises concerns about the discriminatory effect. For example, young people are less likely to have a driver’s license than older people, so many would be ineligible for online voter registration. Washington State has on-line voter registration and I am active in recruiting non-registered voters to register. 1) The Internet and online communications are now part of American life. The voter registration process should move into the 21st Century by providing for online voter registration. The Election Assistance Commission should require the NVRA application form to be available in electronic format. 2) Online voter registration is consistent with the NVRA, with its focus on expanding voter registration opportunities for all. Electronic mail is mail, and so it is critical that the mail voter registration application can be completed and submitted electronically. 3) Online voter registration will reduce costs for states and localities. 4) Online voter registration will increase accuracy by reducing errors due to poor handwriting and the need for officials to retype or re-enter information. 5) Online voter registration does not have the same security issues as online voting, with its need to keep secret the voter’s identity. 6) With the spread of electronic digital signature pads, many people and organizations will be able to submit signatures online; the critical need is for states to accept electronic signatures. Many are already doing so as part of their statewide voter registration databases. 7) WA State already has on-line voter registration. WA could serve as a model for the rest of the country.