Millions of New Voters in Illinois Could Change American Politics

Voting rights in America have evolved over time to be more inclusive so more citizens, can take part in the fundamental activity of American democracy.

The Constitution grants the states the power to set voting requirements. For the majority of US history, states limited this right to property-owning or tax-paying white men, despite the legal expansion of voting rights following the Civil War, which disenfranchised people based on race, gender and class. Although all men, regardless of race were granted the right to vote as after the 15th amendment was ratified in 1870, it wasn't until the Voting Act Rights of 1965--outlawing poll taxes, literacy tests and other bureaucratic restrictions --that African-Americans could vote unhindered. Not to mention that just 97 years ago women couldn't vote either.

But the current electoral system is far from perfect and the United States lags behind many other developed countries when it comes to voter participation. Money in politics hasn't helped, particularly after the seven-year-old Supreme Court Ruling on Citizens United, and the practice of manipulating voting boundaries practiced by both political parties, known as gerrymandering creates an unfair playing field driven by politics. Also, most states don't offer same-day registration on Election Day, and several others require people to present a government-issued photo ID at the polls, all of which lower voter turnout and predominantly target low-income communities and people of color.

To address the issue of voter registration, this past August, Illinois passed a measure that would automatically enroll state residents in the voter registry. Now, when eligible citizens visit state agencies like the Department of Motor Vehicles they are automatically registered unless they choose to opt out. While it may seem like an obvious choice of action, automatic voter registration is fairly new and only available in a small number of states.

In March 2015, Oregon became the first state to adopt the policy and by 2016 the number of registered voters in the state increased by approximately 10 percent. Illinois is the 10th and most recent state to pass automatic voter registration, but only about four states are carrying it out in practice.

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According to the US Census Bureau, 64 percent of Americans were registered to vote in the 2016 presidential election and only 55 percent of registered voters even participated. It was the second-lowest voter turnout for a presidential election in two decades.

VICE Impact caught up with Midwest Organizing Director for the non-partisan watchdog group Common Cause, Trevor Gervais, to learn more about what legislation means in terms of voting rights in today's political landscape.

VICE Impact: What is the mission of your organization?

Trevor Gervais: Common Cause is a nonpartisan grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create an open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process.

What was the significance of Illinois passing automatic voter registration? How do you see this new policy impacting future elections?

The passage of automatic voter registration in Illinois was remarkable, not just in the state, but in the Midwest and across the country. This law, passed unanimously by Democrats and Republicans alike and signed by the Republican governor, is expected to register more than a million voters over time. In future elections, this will allow campaigns to focus on issues that matter to voters, instead of spending valuable time and money on registering voters to clear a procedural hurdle.

How will this new policy impact low voter turnout?

In Illinois, voters can register on Election Day. This is a great tool that more than 100,000 voters used in 2016, but it can also lead to confusion and long lines. By registering these voters automatically, we can expect a more efficient process on Election Day, ensuring that more voters can make it into their polling places. Automatic voter registration is all about reducing unnecessary barriers that keep people from voting. As Illinoisans clear the hurdle of registration, we expect turnout to rise as it did in Oregon last year.

What work did your organization do to make this policy into a reality?

Common Cause Illinois, working with the Just Democracy Coalition, led the fight to pass automatic voter registration since day one. The first meetings began more than two years ago, and led to a movement led by young people, immigration advocates, community groups, and more. We first passed this bill in 2016, but Governor Rauner vetoed it.

In the 48 hours after that announcement, more than 7,000 Common Cause Illinois members contacted their elected officials and demanded the passage of this bill. Less than a year later, the bill passed with unanimous support from both sides of the aisle and was signed into law.

What is the next big hurdle in ending voter suppression?

The next big hurdle to end voter suppression is to pass nationwide laws that protect the right to vote.

For example, if you live in Illinois, you have automatic voter registration, early voting, and Election Day registration as a failsafe. But if you head north to neighboring Wisconsin, you will be required to produce a photo ID that thousands of people simply don't have. In terms of voting rights, we are only as strong as the most suppressive states. This is why we need national reforms and local organizing to bring each state's election laws into the 21st century.

What would an ideal voting policy look like to you?

In an ideal world, voter registration forms are a thing of the past. In most cases, state and local governments know who is eligible to vote based on their records, so there is no reason to require citizens to cut through more red tape in order to participate in their democracy. In the meantime, we need to do everything we can to resist and repeal voter suppression laws across the country. Any elected official that supports disenfranchising voters because of who they are or what they look like must be held accountable.

How can people support the mission of your organization?

Automatic voter registration has passed in ten states and D.C., but there is much more work to be done. Becoming a member of Common Cause will keep you informed on the latest news and information about protecting democracy in your state. If you live in one of the 40 states that have not passed this important legislation, call your state's elected officials and urge them to bring their election systems into the 21st century with automatic voter registration. I also encourage people to fight against any efforts to disenfranchise voters, which have grown in popularity since the gutting of the Voting Rights Act.

Beyond voting how can you people participate in civic engagement?

Voting is only one important piece of a functioning democracy. When elections are not taking place, people must continue to hold their elected officials accountable to fighting for democracy reforms across the board. Voting laws that disenfranchise communities of color, political gerrymandering and the toxic influence of money in politics don't only happen during election season. If you are passionate about electing candidates that share your vision for the country, you must get organized now and Common Cause can help you get started.

Do you have a call to action for our readers to get involved? I encourage people to get organized and get active now. This should be an issue we all agree on. If you wait until the next election, you're too late. Common Cause members and organizers will be leaders in these battles across the Midwest and throughout the county to protect our democracy.

If you want to cast your ballot, but live in a state that doesn't have automatic registry here's how you can get registered online today.

This article has been edited for clarity and length.