What is automatic voter registration?

• A. A system that automatically registers eligible individuals when they interact with government agencies, subject to opt-out.
• B. A system that registers everyone to vote regardless of eligibility.
• C. A system that prevents registration unless you pass a test.
• D. A voluntary program requiring explicit consent to register.

Answer: (A)

Automatic voter registration is a system where eligible individuals are registered to vote by default when they interact with government agencies, with the option to opt out. When you go to a government office such as the DMV or another public service, your information can be used to pre-fill and submit a voter registration on your behalf if you meet eligibility requirements. This helps reduce the steps people must take to register, keeps registration records up to date when people move or change names, and aims to boost participation while letting you decline if you don’t want to be registered. It is not about registering everyone regardless of eligibility, it does not require a test to register, and it is not merely a voluntary opt-in program. Eligibility typically includes factors like citizenship, age, and residency requirements.