Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) and Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) have introduced same day registration bills into their respective chambers. We Minnesotans know how well it works and most often lead the nation in voter turnout. Cosponsors, at this point, include Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-MN) and Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN) among others.
"Helping more Americans exercise their right to vote is in the best interests of our democracy," Feingold said. "The system in Wisconsin, which allows for same day registration, has worked well for more than 30 years and is a major reason why Wisconsin is a national leader in voter turnout. In fact, the states that frequently have the highest voter turnout all allow Election Day registration. We should take action to get more people involved in the political process and same day registration is a proven way to do it."
"Minnesota routinely leads the nation in voter turnout - usually over 70%," Ellison stated. "We do so because in Minnesota our right to vote is a sacred right and a moral obligation. In Minnesota we do everything that encourages, fosters and facilitates everyone's ability to exercise that right. Enacting a National Election Day Registration law would do for the nation what same day registration has done for our State - give a voice to all who want to vote."
(Rep. Ellison press release)
Somehow I don't think any Republicans will be supporting this.
