Buescher unveils paperless voter registration option

Online form promotes, security, voter convenience and efficiencies for counties

Denver, April 6, 2010 – Juniors and seniors at Thomas Jefferson High School were among the first to register to vote using the state’s new online voter registration system. Secretary of State Bernie Buescher joined the students not only to unveil the new internet based registration system, but also to stress the importance of getting these students engaged civically.

“So much of what these young people do is now done safely and securely online,” Buescher said. “This is another tool in the toolbox to help these new voters register and keep their registration up to date and accurate. The convenience for all voters and the efficiencies generated for the county clerks really made this a no-brainer.”

Colorado is on the cutting edge of expanded registration options with only two other states currently empowering voters to register online, while leaving more traditional registration means intact.

Lead House sponsor Rep. Joe Miklosi of Denver said, “It’s so important to provide convenient ways for all Coloradans, especially youth, to participate in their democracy. Registering to vote at the state’s safe and secure web site is a vital way to accomplish that goal.”

Any Colorado resident with a Colorado driver’s license or state identification card can now register to vote through the Secretary of State’s web site GoVoteColorado.com. The online form will require the same information as the current registration form, which also remains available to Colorado citizens. Staff at the county clerk’s offices will have final approval of the online voter registration application, providing an additional layer of scrutiny.

“Every election year, the county clerk and recorders expend significant time performing data entry, sometimes for multiple voter registrations for the same voters,” said Denver Clerk Stephanie O’Malley, who joined Buescher at the school. “Streamlining this process for my office and voters who choose to use this system will help save resources during busy election years.”