Online voter registration may be here in 2016

• Voters would need a state-issued driver’s license or state identification card to vote online.
• Now, voters can register through the Board of Elections, in person or by mail, or at the BMV office.

NEWARK – Online voter registration may be coming to Licking County and the rest of Ohio next year.

The Licking County commissioners voted 3-0 Thursday in favor of the new service for Licking County residents after a conference call with the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office.

The commissioners will still consider an official resolution, which they will send to the secretary of state’s office, but they started the process with Thursday’s vote.

Paper registration would still be an option for Ohio voters.

“It seems like we’re pretty supportive here,” Commissioner Tim Bubb told Clayton Henson, a manager with the secretary of state’s office.

Licking County Board of Elections Director Gloria Carson, Board Chairman Andrea Eastman and Licking County Democratic Party Chairwoman Grace Cherrington joined the commissioners for the call and supported the concept.

“It’s more secure, convenient and accurate, and saves taxpayers money,” Henson said. “It reduces the amount of paperwork and allows employees to do other tasks.”

The state would provide the online registration for the county.

Eastman said she supports online registration if it works like the online change of address process.

“I don’t want to do anything to discourage the voters,” Eastman said.

Voters would need a state-issued driver’s license or state identification card to register online. They must provide name, address, date of birth, last four digits of their Social Security number and driver’s license or state identification number.

A state identification card can be obtained at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles by providing proof of full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, legal presence and residency.

The Ohio Senate voted for online registration and the Ohio House is expected to consider the measure.

“It’s not being proposed to eliminate paper registration,” Henson said.“Those who prefer to use paper registration can continue to do so.”

Matt Walsh, legislative counsel with the Secretary of State’s office, said if the House approves in the fall, online registration could be implemented before the end of winter.

Currently, Licking County residents can register to vote through the board of elections, in person or by mail, but not online. Ohioans must be registered at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote.

They also can register to vote at their Ohio BMV office when they obtain a new driver’s license, renew a license or change their name or address.

kmallett@newarkadvocate.com

740-328-8545

Twitter: @kmallett1958