Access to voting would increase dramatically if Vermont automatic voter registration passes

From Ballot Access News:

On March 8, the Vermont House unanimously passed HB 458. It provides that every adult citizen known to state agencies to be a Vermont resident will automatically be registered to vote. Such individuals will be notified that they have been placed on the rolls, and will then be given a chance to opt out. Vermont does not have registration by party, which makes this process simpler than in states that have registration by party.

The bill is sponsored by Representative Christopher Pearson (Progressive-Vermont). Thanks to Electionline for this news. The bill now goes to the Senate. The bill had been introduced an entire year ago.

According to the Burlington Free Press:

If the bill becomes law, Vermonters could opt out of voter registration by checking a box on the application or renewal form for a driver’s license or nondriver identification card. Otherwise, the Department of Motor Vehicles would assume applicants met the legal requirements for voting and would send their information to the Vermont Secretary of State’s Office.

The unanimous vote drew praise from Rep. Christopher Pearson, P-Burlington, who proposed the legislation, and from House Speaker Shap Smith, D-Morristown.

“This change will dramatically increase the number of Vermonters who are eligible to vote,” Smith said in a statement. “In a day and age when many states are doing all they can to restrict voter access, I am proud to support this effort to give more Vermonters a chance to shape our country’s future.”