Proposed laws would streamline Tenn. voter registration

JACKSON, Tenn. — Registering to vote soon could get easier if state lawmakers approve two new bills making their way through the House and Senate.

A new bill in the state legislature would automatically register someone to vote when he or she applies for a Tennessee driver’s license or photo ID.

“Well, it’s not a bad idea,” Dan Burgess, of Jackson, said. “Less paperwork is always good and as long as it’s optional I don’t foresee a problem with that.”

A separate bill would establish an online voter registration system beginning July 1, 2017.

“Currently, the law requires that we have an original signature on a voter registration form,” Madison County Administrator of Elections Kim Buckley said.

Residents told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News that if passed the proposals would make registering to vote less of a hassle. “It’s very convenient,” Monica Stanfill, a Jackson resident, said. “It saves a lot of time and people wouldn’t have to get out and do all that paperwork.”

Burgess said he is not convinced the changes would increase voter turnout. “People that are going to vote, vote,” he said. “Those that don’t vote aren’t going to regardless of how easy it is or isn’t.”

If approved, automatic registration would take effect Jan. 1, 2017.

To opt out of automatic voter registration the person would have to contact the county election commission office within 21 days.