b) Oregon

Oregon’s pioneering move in 2015 to enact the first automatic voter registration law in the United States represents a significant step in the evolution of electoral processes. This innovative approach fundamentally changed the way voter registration is handled in the state, aiming to streamline the process and enhance electoral participation.

Under this groundbreaking law, eligible voters are automatically registered to vote when they interact with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for driver’s licenses or state ID cards, unless they opt out. This system shifted the onus from individuals having to actively register to vote to being automatically enrolled, with the option to decline.

The primary goal of automatic voter registration is to increase voter participation by removing barriers to the registration process. By integrating voter registration with a routine and necessary interaction – such as renewing a driver’s license – Oregon’s law significantly eased the process of enrolling new voters.

Oregon’s automatic voter registration law was also seen as an important step in efforts to modernize the voting system and make it more accessible and inclusive. The success of the law has been influential, prompting other states in the U.S. to consider and adopt similar measures to increase voter registration and participation.

This move by Oregon highlighted a growing recognition of the need for electoral reforms to adapt to contemporary society’s needs, ensuring the voting process is as inclusive and accessible as possible. It represents an important milestone in ongoing efforts to expand voting access and enhance the democratic process in the United States.