The Automatic Voter Registration Act of 2016 would require states to automatically register those who are eligible to vote when they interact with certain state and federal agencies; The bill would streamline the voter registration process and allow citizens to register online, making it easier for individuals who move to update their information and be able to exercise their right to vote

In a report released last year, the Brennan Center estimated that automatic voter registration could add 50 million eligible voters to the rolls

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), along with Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Dick Durbin (D-IL), have introduced a bill that would increase voter participation. The Automatic Voter Registration Act of 2016 would require states to automatically register those who are eligible to vote when they interact with certain state and federal agencies, unless those people decline. The bill would streamline the voter registration process and allow citizens to register online, making it easier for individuals who move to update their information. It also includes privacy protections to ensure information collected can only be used for voter registration, election administration, or prosecution of election crimes.

"The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy, and we should be doing all we can to strengthen this right,” Klobuchar said. “Minnesota has one of the highest statewide voter turnout rates in the country, and our new effort will help ensure that Americans in all our states have their voices heard.”

A companion bill was introduced Thursday in the House by Representative Robert Brady (D-PA).

Throughout her time in the Senate, Klobuchar has been fighting to protect voting rights for all Americans. Last year, Klobuchar and Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) introduced the Same Day Registration Act, which would require states to allow people to register to vote for a federal election on the same day as the election. Minnesota has allowed same-day voter registration for many years and has one of the highest voter turnouts in the country.

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