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Group Says Bill Aiming To Strengthen Fla. 'Motor Voter' Law Is Step In Right Direction

DMV.org

A Democratic lawmaker has re-filed a bill seeking to automatically register Florida voters, and some say strengthening the state’s motor voter law is a step in the right direction.

Currently, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles officials are supposed to ask eligible residents getting or renewing their driver’s license if they would like to register to vote. But, Florida League of Women Voters President Deirdre Macnab says that’s often not the case.

“Often times, training is sporadic and not consistent with the individuals that do work in Motor Vehicle departments,” said Macnab.

So, she says her group would likely support a bill authored by Lake Worth Democratic Senator Jeff Clemens to enshrine the practice in law.

“So, having something that is more automatic would mean that there would be a cleaner, easier coverage, and individuals registering for a driver’s license might not fall beneath the cracks as they often do,” she added.

Clemens’ bill also allows residents to opt out of registering to vote. Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles says the agency has not taken a position on the legislation.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on twitter @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.