CHICAGO (AP) — Some of the state's top Democrats will join advocacy groups to discuss their push for automatic voter registration in Illinois.
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, Senate President John Cullerton and other elected state officials will hold a news conference Friday in Chicago to discuss pending legislation.
The Senate bill would automatically register qualified residents to vote when they apply for a driver's license or some other form of state ID unless they decline.
State Sen. Andy Manar of Bunker Hill is the bill sponsor. He has said the proposal would increase voter participation, reduce red tape and save money.
Opponents worry that such a change could lead to automatically registering non-citizens, increased voter fraud and expense.