Online voter registration advanced

Senators gave first-round approval to a bill Feb. 20 that would allow Nebraskans to register to vote online.

Under LB661, introduced by Omaha Sen. Bob Krist, those with a valid driver’s license or state identification card could complete voter registration through a secure website under the secretary of state office. The state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) would provide the applicant’s signature from their records to complete the online voter registration.

Krist said 13 states already have implemented a similar program.

“Allowing potential voters to register online through a secure website is quickly gaining popularity,” he said. “This would also eliminate the last paper-based record that is still created through the DMV licensing process.”

LB661 also would require the development of a paperless registration system, which would allow the DMV to electronically transmit completed registrations to the proper county election officials. Further, the bill would authorize the DMV to provide applicants’ social security numbers to the secretary of state for voter registration purposes.

Omaha Sen. Tanya Cook spoke in support of the bill, saying it would lead to a broader and more accurate voter database.

“This bill does what we all hope our voting laws would do,” she said. “This will increase access to the polls as well as participation in elections across the state.”

Following the adoption of a technical amendment, senators advanced the bill to select file on a 35-0 vote.