Three Democratic state lawmakers want to link voter registration to drivers licenses with a proposal called the “Election Modernization Act,” which would register anyone who does business at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
The act is based on similar legislation that’s been enacted in Oregon.
One of the bill’s co-sponsors is Rep. Eric Genrich from Green Bay. He said the measure would also let people register online up to 20 days before an election. Wisconsin voters can still register at polling places, but they must now show a photo ID.
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Genrich acknowledged that passing the legislation would be an “uphill battle.”
“But it’s something that we believe is important to communicate to the people of the state of Wisconsin who I think have become cynical because of the actions of this Legislature and this governor,” he said.
People could opt out of automatic registration under the proposal.
Rep. Terese Berceau and Sen. Dave Hansen are co-sponsors of the bill.
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