Oregon set to start pioneering ‘motor voter’ program

Starting Friday — in a first for the nation –automatic voter registration is available to Oregonians if they are eligible to register to vote and apply for an original, renewal, or replacement license, permit, or ID card at the DMV.

Once an eligible voter engages the Oregon Motor Voter process by visiting the DMV, they will receive a card and a pre-paid postage return envelope from the Oregon State Elections Office that allows the recipient to opt out of registration, choose a political party, or take no action and become automatically registered to vote as a non-affiliated voter (not a member of a political party).

Secretary of State Jeanne Atkins released the following statement Thursday on the roll-out of the Oregon Motor Voter program:

“This pioneering program will modernize voter registration in Oregon and provide a secure, simple, and convenient way for more Oregonians to become registered voters,” she said. “Oregon Motor Voter will put a ballot in the hand of nearly every eligible voter.”

“Once again, Oregon is leading the nation by becoming the first state in the nation to implement automatic voter registration. Oregon Motor Voter builds on Oregon’s remarkable leadership at expanding access to voting.”

Governor Kate Brown, who championed this program while secretary of state, and whose first bill signed as governor was the legislation creating the Oregon Motor Voter program, added:

“Our state is a leader in accessibility to voting and Oregon Motor Voter is another example of how we are ensuring that more people have access to and participate in our democracy. I’m very excited to see Oregon Motor Voter take effect and I hope to see other states follow our lead.”

For more information, visit www.oregonmotorvoter.gov