San Rafael, CA – The California Motor Voter program, implemented earlier this year, makes registering to vote automatic for eligible applicants completing a driver license, identification card or change of address online, by mail, or in person at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
At the DMV, clerks will assist visitors with voter registration. All people eligible to register to vote who apply for a new driver license or ID, renew their driver license or ID, or change an address, automatically will be registered to vote or have the registration updated unless the person opts out.
The information a person provides when completing an application for a driver license or ID card and registering to vote will impact their voter registration record. For example, the party affiliation on record will change to “no party preference” if a person’s current registration includes a party affiliation but a selection is not made when completing the DMV application.
After registering as part of the driver license process, a voter will receive a new voter notification card to let them know they are registered to vote. This is a normal part of the registration process.
“The Elections Department wants people to be aware of this addition to the DMV process so they aren’t surprised when a voter notification card arrives in the mail,” Marin County Registrar of Voters Lynda Roberts said.
A voter choosing to opt out of registering will receive a follow-up notice from the Secretary of State’s Office.
Roberts reminds voters that it is always a good idea to double check their registration by using her department’s Voter Information Portal at www.marinvotes.org or the My Voter Status portal on the Secretary of State’s website at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov. The old-fashioned way also will work by calling the Marin County Elections Department at 415-473-6456.
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