AN ACT TO CREATE THE "STARKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL AP GOVERNMENT CLASS OF 2019 MOTOR VOTER ACT"; TO AUTHORIZE ANY PERSON WHO IS QUALIFIED TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI TO REGISTER TO VOTE WHEN THAT PERSON APPLIES FOR THE ISSUANCE, RENEWAL OR CHANGE OF ADDRESS OF A MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVER'S LICENSE OR OFFICIAL IDENTIFICATION CARD; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO OBTAIN CERTAIN INFORMATION FROM A PERSON WHO DESIRES TO REGISTER TO VOTE WHILE APPLYING FOR THE ISSUANCE, RENEWAL OR CHANGE OF ADDRESS OF A MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVER'S LICENSE OR OFFICIAL IDENTIFICATION CARD; TO PROVIDE AN OPT-OUT PROCEDURE FOR PERSONS WHO CHOOSE NOT TO REGISTER TO VOTE WHILE APPLYING FOR THE ISSUANCE, RENEWAL OR CHANGE OF ADDRESS OF A MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVER'S LICENSE OR OFFICIAL IDENTIFICATION CARD; TO PROVIDE FOR THE FORWARDING OF VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS TO THE PERSON'S COUNTY OF RESIDENCE; TO AMEND SECTIONS 23-15-11, 23-15-33, 23-15-35, 23-15-39, 23-15-41, 23-15-79, 23-15-95 AND 63-1-19, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
By mandating that voter registration occurs simultaneously with driver's license applications, HB680 seeks to increase voter participation and streamline the registration process. The bill presents various modifications to existing sections of the Mississippi Code, ensuring that voter registration applications are forwarded to the respective county of residence for processing. Furthermore, it stipulates the use of an individual's electronic signature and provides a mechanism for resolving incomplete applications, thereby modernizing the registration approach.
Summary
House Bill 680, referred to as the "Starkville High School AP Government Class of 2019 Motor Voter Act," aims to simplify the voter registration process in Mississippi. The bill allows anyone who qualifies to register to vote to do so when they apply for, renew, or change their address on a motor vehicle driver's license or official identification card. This act requires the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to collect specific information from applicants and establish an integrated voter registration process alongside the issuance of driver's licenses.
Contention
Notably, the bill includes an opt-out provision for individuals who do not wish to register while obtaining their driver's license or ID, which aims to respect personal choice within the automatic registration framework. However, there may be concerns regarding data privacy and managing information collected during these transactions. Opponents might argue that this combined process could lead to unintended registrations, especially if individuals neglect to understand the opt-out process, potentially leading to confusion regarding voter eligibility. The bill represents a significant shift in voter engagement strategies, aligning with technological advancements in government procedures.