ONLINE VOTER REGISTRATION.

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View NCGA Bill Details2013-2014 Session
Senate Bill 298 (Public) Filed Wednesday, March 13, 2013
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO MAKE SIMPLER THE PROCESS OF FILLING OUT A VOTER REGISTRATION FORM AND PRINTING IT OUT TO MAIL AND ALSO TO ALLOW VOTERS TO REGISTER TO VOTE ONLINE.
Intro. by Bryant, Parmon, McKissick.

Status: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate (Senate Action) (Mar 14 2013)

Bill History:

S 298

Bill Summaries:

  • Summary date: Mar 13 2013 - View Summary

    Identical to H 102, filed 2/13/13.

    Amends GS 163-82.3 to direct the State Board of Elections (Board) to develop an online application  for voter registration that may be filled in online or printed out as a blank  form. Requires that the online form allow a user with the proper software to save the data and prompt the user to download mailing addresses (1) for the board of elections based on the user's county of residence or (2) for all county boards of elections.

    Enacts new GS 163-82.5A regarding online voter registration in Article 7A of GS Chapter 163. Provides that the section applies to an individual who meets both of the following requirements: (1) is eligible to register to vote and (2) has a current and valid North Carolina driver's license, learner's permit, or provisional license, or a special identification card for non-operators issued under GS 20-37.7. Individuals who meet the stated requirements may submit a voter registration application online.

    Requires the Board to establish a secure Internet site to allow individuals meeting the prescribed requirements to submit voter registration applications.

    Provides that the secure website is to allow qualified individuals to submit an application  to do the following: (1) register to vote or (2) report a change in name, address, or party affiliation.  In addition, the secure web site is to allow the individual to submit information demonstrating that individual's eligibility to register online.

    Directs the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to compare the information submitted by the individual to verify eligibility to register online with information maintained in the DMV's database of persons in North Carolina who have a current and valid NC driver's license or other acceptable identification as specified in this section. Upon confirmation that the applicant has current and valid identification as specified under these provisions, the DMV is required to submit the completed application and its verification of eligibility to the county board of elections in the county where the applicant currently resides.

    Provides that if the DMV is unable to confirm the applicant's eligibility, it is to send notice to the county board of elections of the county where the applicant resides of the inability to confirm the information provided. Directs the county board of elections to notify the applicant via U.S. mail and by e-mail if the applicant provided an e-mail address with the online registration that that the application cannot be processed.

    Effective December 1, 2013.