General Assembly Approves Automatic Registration

Lawmakers have endorsed a plan to allow automatic voter registration in Illinois.

The measure approved 86-30 by the House on Tuesday would provide automatic registration for would-be voters interacting with certain state agencies. Each person would have a chance to opt out at some point.

Supporters say it could expand the franchise to two million people. Republicans fear a ploy to gin up Democrats able to visit the polls.

Evanston Democratic Rep. Robyn Gabel says people seeking services at the Department on Aging or the departments of Human Services, Healthcare and Family Services, Employment Security and the Secretary of State's office would be eligible.

Gov. Bruce Rauner's office did not immediately comment on the plan.

Oregon, California, West Virginia and Vermont have automatic registration.