N.H. Dems propose automatic voter registration through state DMV

CONCORD, NH (CONCORD MONITOR) It was a decision that would define New Hampshire elections for decades. In 1993, the passage of the National Voter Registration Act forced the Granite State to choose: Either allow residents to register to vote at Division of Motor Vehicle locations, or let them sign up on Election Day itself.

Most states went for the former option, enacting “motor voter laws.” New Hampshire opted for the latter, establishing same-day registrations and bucking the trend. At the time, Secretary of State Bill Gardner pushed the Legislature away from the motor voter option, warning about the loss of control of the process by town clerks. 

This year, Democrats are hoping to put both processes in play. 

A bill by Democratic state senator Melanie Levesque would create an opt-out voter registration system for anyone who transacts with the motor vehicle department in New Hampshire. 

Senate Bill 7 would establish a “secure data transfer program” that would allow information collected by the DMV to be passed on to to the Secretary of State’s office. 

READ MORE: https://www.concordmonitor.com/New-Hampshire-Democrats-propose-automatic-voter-registration-through-state-DMV-offices-23625607