HB0626 Summary

• Establishes automatic voter registration program jointly administered by the Secretary of State and State Board of Elections, with driver's license and state ID applications serving as dual-purpose voter registration applications.

• Allows designated automatic voter registration agencies (state and federal agencies with reliable personal information) to offer dual-purpose applications for their services, with applicants able to opt out without penalty.

• Permits election authorities to send election-related notices solely by electronic mail if the individual provides an email address and authorizes electronic communication; does not apply to ballots.

• Designates certain voter registration information as confidential and exempt from Freedom of Information Act disclosure, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, applicant decisions to decline registration, and addresses of domestic violence victims.

• Requires State Board of Elections to establish technical specifications, hold public hearings by July 1, 2018, and submit annual reports to the General Assembly detailing registration statistics by agency.