Proponents of automatic voter registration sound off after Rauner veto

Posted on August 16, 2016

State Rep. Carol Ammons has suggested Gov. Bruce Rauner is trying to suppress minority voters in vetoing automatic voter registration. (Photo courtesy www.ilga.gov)

By RFD Radio/WFMB

SPRINGFIELD – Groups and lawmakers supporting automatic voter registration sound off after Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed the legislation.

Rauner said he’s in support of simplifying the registration process but he says the bill needs work and could lead to voter fraud and violate federal law with its current language. State Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Champaign, believes there are other possible motivators for the veto.

“It’s no coincidence that as women and minorities are gaining representation as elected officials, utilizing the voting rights to influence party direction and policy choices, there has been a concerted effort to roll back the clock,” Ammons said. “This veto is in line with that effort.”

The legislation would automatically register Illinoisans to vote when they get a drivers license. Rauner has also expressed concerns about cost. Ammons said she hopes an override push is considered during the fall veto session.

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