This week Connecticut became the 15th state in the nation—and the first in New England—to launch a statewide online voter registration system. Connecticut residents now have three ways to register to vote—online, by mail, or in person. Wilton’s Democratic Registrar of Voters Carole Young-Kleinfeld stated, “This is good news for any citizen who’s eligible to register to vote, has a computer, and holds a valid Connecticut driver’s license. Connecticut is stepping into the digital age.”
To use the online system, potential voters have to meet the usual eligibility requirements and have to have either a driver’s license, a learner’s permit, or a non-driver’s ID on file with the Connecticut DMV. Through a link to the Secretary of the State’s website, voters may use the system to register and to make changes to their existing registration—address changes within their towns, enrollment in a political party, or name changes. Republican Registrar Tina Gardner explained, “Through the new online system, voter registration applications are transmitted to our office in seconds, to be verified and processed in the usual way.”
Other states have found that online registration systems are more convenient for voters, save printing expenses, and produce more accurate voter lists. Studies from the Pew Center on the States show that more than 90 percent of young people, from 18-34 years old, go online and are more likely to register online than older voters. The research also shows that voters who register online are more likely to vote.
To register to vote online, go to voterregistration.ct.gov to read the instructions and complete the registration form. Wilton’s registrars of voters can help with questions at 203.563.0111 or registrars@wiltonct.org.