Maple Grove Lawmaker Proposes ‘Opt-Out’ Voter Registration System

Rep. Kristin Bahner, DFL-Maple Grove, is proposing to switch Minnesota from an opt-in registration system to an opt-out system. What that means is Minnesota residents would automatically be registered to vote by the state using information collected during government transactions, such as getting a driver’s license.

Supporters of the bill point to 22 other states that currently use automatic voter registration. They say it saves money, improves efficiency and reduces lines on Election Day.

“It is not enough to claim to be beacons of democracy, but we must live our values by continually working to increase our participation while balancing the checks and balances that requires,” Bahner said. “This bill does just that.”

People would have 20 days to decline the registration.

Republican opponents of the bill, which was introduced in February, say it would cost the state money instead of saving it They also questioned why it was needed.  A similar bill has been introduced in the Senate.

Election Day 2020.

Maple Grove | Osseo