Release: Rep. Calley’s plan to establish online voter registration gains House approval

State Rep. Julie Calley’s legislation modernizing Michigan’s voter registration system by giving qualified voters the option to register online was unanimously approved today by the Michigan House.

“In this day and age, there’s no reason registering to vote shouldn’t be just as easy as hopping online to shop or pay bills,” said Calley, of Portland. “Thirty-eight other states and the District of Columbia have established online registration systems. Michigan residents deserve this simple modern convenience as well.”

Calley said the plan laid out in House Bills 5548 and 5549 allows people who are qualified to vote in Michigan to register to vote online if they already have a valid Michigan driver’s license or state identification card. People who register online would still be required to cast their first vote in person and present identification at that time.

“In reality, requiring residents to fill out a paper registration form leaves more room for errors and is less secure than an online system,” Calley said. “An online system would also help local elections officials operate more efficiently, reduce processing costs and build more complete and accurate voter lists.”

The plan includes several measures to ensure system security and prevent unauthorized users from accessing the online system.

The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.