It just got a lot easier to register to vote in California.
State elections officials today launched last week an online voter registration system that will allow anyone with a computer, tablet or smartphone to register to vote.
The new online system, unveiled Sept. 19, will allow citizens whose signature is already on file with the Department of Motor Vehicles to submit their voter registration form to their county elections office electronically.
Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Mateo/San Francisco, said that the move in other states to online registration has helped increase voter participation by making it significantly more convenient to register.
"We need to find new ways to increase voter participation and I am hopeful that making it easier to register will help get more people involved," Yee said.
San Mateo County Chief Election Officer Mark Church said the move to online registration will increase voter participation, increase the accuracy of registration information, and reduce election costs for counties.
"This really is a great day for the way we conduct elections here in the state of California," Church said.
Californians have until Oct. 22 to register for the Nov. 6 presidential election.
Anyone wishing to register online can do so at www.registertovote.ca.gov, or through individual counties' elections websites.
Individuals who do not have a signature on file with the DMV can print out a completed registration form, sign it and mail it to their local election office.
More information about online registering and upcoming elections is available at the California Secretary of State's website www.sos.ca.gov.
—Bay City News Service
