Senate Bill 495: Automatic & Online Voter Registration

• Implements automatic voter registration at drivers license offices beginning January 1, 2020, with eligible persons automatically registered unless they decline, and requires electronic transmission of applications to county boards of elections within 5 business days.

• Establishes automatic voter registration at public agencies and voter registration agencies beginning January 1, 2021, with similar opt-out provisions and electronic transmission requirements.

• Requires North Carolina community colleges and University of North Carolina institutions to offer automatic voter registration to enrolled students beginning January 1, 2021, with electronic transmission of applications to boards of elections.

• Creates online voter registration system allowing individuals with current valid North Carolina drivers licenses or special identification cards to register or change voter registration through a secure State Board website, effective December 1, 2019.

• Mandates State Board of Elections to implement public education and outreach campaign about automatic voter registration procedures and designates declinations to register as confidential information for voter registration purposes only.