Pennsylvania Governor Launches ‘Automatic Voter Registration’ Plan Ahead of 2024

Mary Lou Masters / September 19, 2023

Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Tuesday that he will implement “automatic voter registration” ahead of the 2024 election.

The governor rolled out his plan on National Voter Registration Day to “streamline” the voter-registration process, which he argues will “save taxpayers time and money,” according to an announcement video. Shapiro’s plan will automatically enroll Pennsylvanians in the voting system, unless the individual opts out, when receiving an identification card or driver’s license at the Department of Motor Vehicles.

“From now on, when you get or renew your driver’s license or an ID card at the DMV, you’ll be registered to vote unless you choose not to,” Shapiro said in the video. “I made a commitment when I was campaigning for this office that we would bring automatic voter registration in Pennsylvania and break down the barriers for legal, eligible voters. This is a key step to make our elections more secure, adding important levels of verification to the voter-registration process.”

As a candidate for Governor, I made a commitment that I would enact automatic voter registration here in Pennsylvania.

Today, we've made good on that promise — and we'll keep encouraging every legal, eligible voter to participate in our democracy. pic.twitter.com/1tib8Vficp
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) September 19, 2023

Pennsylvania’s presidential primary is scheduled for late April, but Shapiro has pushed for it to be moved as it conflicts with the week of Passover, a prominent Jewish holiday. The Pennsylvania Senate’s State Government Committee approved a bill in late August to move the primary to March 19, which would coincide with those of Arizona, Florida, Ohio, Illinois, and Kansas.

“We’re making our state government work better for the good people of Pennsylvania,” Shapiro said in the video. “No matter who you choose to vote for, or what your views are, I hope you’ll make your voice heard. Now more than ever, we need an engaged citizenry to move our country and our commonwealth forward.”

Originally published by the Daily Caller News Foundation

Have an opinion about this article? To sound off, please email [email protected], and we’ll consider publishing your edited remarks in our regular “We Hear You” feature. Remember to include the URL or headline of the article plus your name and town and/or state.