SB 179

This bill requires a registered elector who has changed his or her name or

address to complete a new voter registration. Under current law, if a registered

elector changes his or her name, the elector must either provide notice of the change

to the municipal clerk prior to election day or to the inspector at the polling place on

election day. If notice is given to the inspector on election day, the inspector must

notify the clerk of the elector's name change when the election day materials are

returned to the clerk's office. Under current law, an elector who has changed both

his or her name and address must complete a new voter registration.

Under current law, a document used as proof of identification for voting

purposes may not be sufficient to establish proof of residence for voter registration

purposes. Conversely, several documents that an elector may use to establish

residency, such as a bank statement or utility bill, are not sufficient as proof of

identification for voting. In many instances, however, current law refers to an elector

providing an “identifying document” as proof of residence. The bill replaces the term

“identifying document” with “document” when used in conjunction with establishing

proof of residence to avoid voter confusion with regard to the documentation

necessary to establish residency.

Current law allows an individual to use an unexpired driving receipt or an

unexpired identification card receipt as proof of identification for voting purposes.

Both documents include a photograph of the individual to whom the document is

issued. An unexpired driving receipt is a temporary document that an individual

may use as an operator's license until such time that the individual receives his or

her actual operator's license. Similarly, an unexpired identification card receipt is

a temporary document that the holder may use until he or she receives an actual

identification card. The bill allows an individual to also use an unexpired driving

receipt or an unexpired identification card receipt as proof of residence for voter

registration purposes if the receipt has the individual's current and complete name

and address.

Current law authorizes the use of a paycheck for an elector to establish proof

of residence for purposes of voter registration. The bill adds the authority to use a

pay stub or pay statement.

The bill also specifies that a document provided as proof of residence for

purposes of voter registration may be provided in electronic format.

Under current law, when the municipal clerk or the Elections Commission

receives a valid registration form, either electronically or by mail, the registrant

receives a letter or postcard that specifies the registrant's ward, aldermanic district,

if any, and polling place. The letter or postcard is also intended to verify the

registrant's address. The bill clarifies that the commission sends the letter or

postcard.