Pennsylvania is set to initiate automatic voter registration as it gears up for a pivotal role in the 2024 presidential election.

However, certain Republicans argue that this move should have been implemented through legislative channels rather than via executive order.

Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat representing Pennsylvania, revealed on Tuesday that individuals applying for or renewing a driver’s license or state ID card will now be automatically registered to vote, unless they explicitly opt out.

This initiative aims to streamline the voter registration process and reduce the burden on taxpayers, the Washington Examiner reported.

“I’m committed to ensuring free and fair elections that allow every eligible voter to make their voice heard,” the Democratic governor said in a news release. “Automatic voter registration is a commonsense step to ensure election security and save Pennsylvanians time and tax dollars.”

While Republican Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt lauded the move as a “commonsense action” that enhances security and efficiency in the registration process, it hasn’t garnered the same level of support from other members of the GOP.

Written by staff