05.27.2016

CHICAGO – The Center for Popular Democracy joined a coalition of voting rights and justice advocates in a letter urging the Illinois House of Representatives to pass Automatic Voter Registration, which passed in the Illinois Senate last week with bi-partisan support. The law would automatically register eligible Illinois citizens when they apply for a driver’s license or other state ID, or otherwise interact with designated with state agencies, while giving the option to decline registration.

Groups signing on to the letter included Demos, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Illinois PIRG, and Action Now, among others. A growing number of states have passed versions of automatic voter registration in the past year, including Vermont, West Virginia, and Oregon.

Emma Greenman, Director of Voting Rights and Democracy at Center for Popular Democracy, released the following statement on the letter:

“The right to vote is the most fundamental right in a democracy – and it is under attack across America. The only way to fight back is to reaffirm our commitment to voting rights and make it easier for people to access this right. Automatic Voter Registration would do just that, clearing a path to the polls for thousands and setting down a blueprint for other states to follow. As we gear up for one of the most critical elections of our generation, we must pass this legislation to ensure everyone’s vote has a chance to be counted.”

A full copy of the letter can be found below:

May 26, 2016

The Honorable Michael J. Madigan

Speaker of the House, Illinois General Assembly

300 State House

Springfield, IL 62706

RE: Automatic Voter Registration, SB 250

Dear Speaker Madigan,

We, the undersigned organizations, write in support of Senate Bill 250, which provides for Automatic Voter Registration (AVR) through designated government agencies. As organizations dedicated to promoting democracy, justice and the right to vote, we strongly support passage of this critical piece of legislation. We are pleased to see that SB 250 passed with bipartisan support in the Illinois Senate last week and we encourage you to take the necessary steps to pass this measure.

AVR takes meaningful strides to modernize voter registration in manners that are robust and inclusive, transforming the voter registration process from a barrier to a gateway to civic engagement. This legislation will add more eligible voters to the rolls and update existing registrations more frequently, giving elections officials a cleaner, more accurate list.

This legislation has the potential to add over 2 million new voters while safeguarding the accuracy and security of the state’s elections processes. By facilitating the electronic and automatic transmission of information to that is already collected by government agencies to register eligible citizens of Illinois, AVR minimizes the risk of errors and cuts down on costs. Senate Bill 250 also expands access for communities that often go underserved.

By passing this legislation, the Illinois House of Representatives has a great opportunity to position the state as a leader in the arena of election modernization and reform. Senate Bill 250 features many provisions that are considered best practices for enacting and implementing AVR and will serve as a model for other states to follow.

We urge you to pass SB 250.

Sincerely,

Action Now, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Better Government Association, Brennan Center for Justice, Bus Federation, The Center for Popular Democracy, CHANGE Illinois, Chicago Votes, Common Cause Illinois, Common Cause, Demos, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)- Chicago, Equip for Equality, Grassroots Collaborative, Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Illinois PIRG, Project Vote, National Council of Jewish Women, Sierra Club South Asian American Policy & Research Institute, U.S. PIRG.

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www.populardemocracy.org

The Center for Popular Democracy promotes equity, opportunity, and a dynamic democracy in partnership with innovative base-building organizations, organizing networks and alliances, and progressive unions across the country. CPD builds the strength and capacity of democratic organizations to envision and advance a pro-worker, pro-immigrant, racial justice agenda.

Contact:

Asya Pikovsky, apikovsky@populardemocracy.org, 207-522-2442

Anita Jain, ajain@populardemocracy.org, 347-636-9761