GOP kills DMV automatic voter registration bill

The House Subcommittee on Elections & Campaign Finance rejected a measure that would create an automatic voter registration option when qualified citizens apply for a drivers license or photo identification.

Sponsored by Rep. Bo Mitchell, D-Nashville, District 50, House Bill 1210 was straightforward; citizens applying for driver license or photo identification card in Tennessee would have the option to automatically register to be a voter.

In 2018, Tennessee ranked 45th in voter turnout with only 44.7 percent of the eligible voting-age population showing up for the Midterm Election, according to the Election Project

Takeaway:
We want every Tennessean who is eligible to vote to be a voter because know that more civic participation strengthens our communities — and our state. Being a voter is a fundamental right guaranteed to Americans and we should be finding ways to make it even easier to register.

How they voted:
Elections & Campaign Finance Subcommittee, Feb. 27, Voice Vote – Nays Prevail:
Rep. Tim Rudd, R-Murfreesboro, District 34
Rep. Mike Carter, R-Ooltewah, District 29
Rep. John Crawford, R-Kingsport, District 1
Rep. Rick Tillis, R-Lewisberg, District 92