Common Cause/NY Statement on Electronic Voter Registration at the DMV

For Immediate Release:

Contact: Susan Lerner

August 16, 2012

212-691-6421

Common Cause NY Statement on Electronic Voter Registration at the DMV

Today the Governor’s office announced that the Department of Motor Vehicle would begin implementing an electronic voter registration process which would allow drivers to register to vote online, or electronically, at the DMV. In response Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause NY issued the following statement:

“Participation is key to a strong democracy, but voting rates in the U.S. are alarmingly low in relation to other post-industrial nations, with New York’s participation rates even lower than the national average. Fortunately, New York State is working towards a 21st century solution – internet voter registration – by allowing drivers to register to vote electronically at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), taking an important first step to reducing clumsy paper forms and human error. Common Cause/NY applauds the Governor and DMV for their efforts to increase voter registration and improve democracy in New York State.”