Quinn signs bill allowing online voter registration in Illinois

[smallcat88]

Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn signed a measure into law Saturday that will make Illinois the 18th state to allow voters to register online.

Supporters say the move could increase turnout at the polls and cut down on paperwork costs, while critics question the security of an online registration system and say there is a potential for fraud in a state where Chicagoans have been known to vote from beyond the grave.
Under the legislation, anyone with a valid driver's license or state identification card can go online to sign up to vote online beginning July 1, 2014. That’s the target date for the State Board of Elections to have the new system up and running.

The measure is backed by Cook County Clerk David Orr, who said the online option will be a "win-win" for voters and election officials that makes it easier to register and reduces processing time and the potential for errors since voters will be in charge of entering their own personal information. Orr also contends there are enough checks and balances to prevent wrongdoing.

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-07-27/news/chi-quinn-to-sign-bill-allowing-online-voter-registration-in-illinois-20130726_1_online-voter-registration-voter-turnout-quinn-signs-bill

[frazzled]

1. The only issue with this is ...

the people we need most to get registered are those without computers, and without driver's licenses or state IDs—the poor and the elderly. So there's still a lot of ground-level registration that needs to be done if we want to make sure everyone is registered to vote.

That said, I think the online system will probably work well. At least here in Chicago, if I go to the Chicago Board of Elections website, I can type in my address and name and see my registration status, my current polling place, and get sample ballots for current elections. It always works well for me, and I don't see why a statewide system can't be as accurate.

I renew my driver's license online, too.

[smallcat88]

2. I never heard of renewing a driver's license online

is that statewide or just Chicago area?

[frazzled]

3. Statewide: you have to qualify as a "safe driver" to do it

I just got a notice in the mail one day that my license needed to be renewed, and that because I was a "safe driver" (don't know what it means, but I probably qualified because I hardly ever drive and so have had no accidents or tickets), I could renew by phone or online. They give you a special code number to use to do it.

Secy of State Jesse White will contact you. Here's the dope:

Safe Driver Renewal Qualifications

The Safe Driver Renewal Program allows Illinois residents to renew their driver's license over the telephone, Internet or through the mail. If you are eligible, a renewal letter regarding the Safe Driver Program will be sent approximately 60 days prior to the expiration of your current driver's license.

You are unable to participate in this program if any of the following statements pertain to you.

You hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
Your driver's license or privilege to obtain a driver's license is suspended, revoked, cancelled or refused in any state.
You are not between the ages of 22 and 74.
Your license has been expired more than one (1) year.
You participated in the Safe Driver Renewal program at your last renewal.
You have already renewed.
You are required to submit an updated medical and/or vision report.
You are a School Bus Permit holder.
Your driving record reflects any conviction, supervision, accident and/or withdrawal.
You have been prescribed corrective lenses (eyeglasses/contacts) for driving since your last renewal.
You wish to change the classification or restrictions on your driver's license.
You hold a driver's license in any other state.
Your driver's license is being held by a court in lieu of bail.
Your legal name or gender has changed.

https://www.ilsos.gov/SafeDriverWeb/sdqual.jsp

[Jean4CountyClerk]

4. Here is the link for online voter registration

https://ova.elections.il.gov/