Chenette introduces bill to streamline voter registration

Legislation would automatically register eligible voters based on drivers’ license information

​AUGUSTA— Rep. Justin Chenette is leading the charge on legislation to automatically register all eligible Maine residents to vote when they apply for or renew a driver’s license or state-issued ID. 
 
“Together we can make voter registration more convenient, more secure and more cost-effective by reducing the amount of paperwork filed with multiple agencies,” said Chenette, D-Saco.

​The legislation is modeled after a new Oregon law that automatically registers all eligible Oregon residents to vote when they obtain or renew a driver’s license or state identification card. The newly registered voters will be notified by mail and given an option to select a party affiliation or opt out of the registration entirely.
 
“Our democracy is strengthened when the next generation has a strong sense of civic engagement,” Chenette said. “We should jump at the chance to expand the list of voters and increase participation in the political process.”
 
Bills for the second session must win approval from the Legislative Council. The Legislative Council will meet Oct. 22 to decide which bills will be allowed to move forward.
 
Chenette, a member of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, is serving his second term in the Maine Legislature and represents part of Saco.