Registering to vote in Wisconsin could soon be just a mouse click away.
Wisconsinites may soon have the option of signing up to vote using the Internet, under a bill being considered at the Capitol. State Representative Terese Berceau (D-Madison) believes there would be strong demand for the option, since members of all age groups already use the Internet for tasks ranging from paying bills to viewing legal documents.
Berceau says several other states have enacted online voter registration systems, and have seen a strong response. She says it provides an easy way for the public to get involved.
The proposal is not without concerns though. State Senator Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) worries that it could lead to election fraud, since there’s no way to clearly know if the person registering online is the same as who is being entered into the system.
Berceau says the system would check identities against state driver’s license and ID card databases, preventing most opportunities for abuse.
Wisconsin already offers same-day registration at the polls, but Berceau says long lines on Election Day can discourage voters. She says registering online can save them time and encourage them to get out and vote.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (:56)