GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES 1 MILLION PEOPLE REGISTERED THROUGH DMV’S ONLINE VOTER REGISTRATION

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo this week announced that 1 million people have registered to vote using the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles’ online registration process since 2012. Of the 1 million who have registered online, more than 450,000 were first-time voters. New Yorkers can easily apply to register to vote, or change their enrollment information, by using the state’s online voter registration application service on the DMV’s website.

“Our online voter registration portal helped knock down barriers to democracy and encouraged more participation in the electoral process,” Governor Cuomo said. “We’re proud that 1 million New Yorkers, nearly half of which are first-time voters, used this easy and convenient way to register and ensure their voices are heard. We seek to build upon this success with our Democracy Agenda that will further modernize and open up New York’s voting process.”

New York will continue to build upon the success of online registration through the DMV website. Automatic voter registration will streamline the process by sending voters’ information from relevant agencies application directly to the County Board of Elections. Same-day voting will improve accessibility to elections by joining thirteen other states and the District of Columbia in allowing the practice. Lastly, early voting will ensure that New Yorkers are not prevented from casting their ballot due to school, work, family, and other commitments that take place during the currently limited voting timeframe.

To apply to register to vote using the DMV website, customers must enter information from their New York State driver license, permit, or non-driver ID, their date of birth, current zip code, last four digits of their Social Security Number, and their email address. The information provided is validated to ensure accuracy and security. Previously, New Yorkers had to sign up to create a MyDMV account to apply to register to vote online. In 2016, a new site was created that allows applicants to visit the voter registration application page on the DMV website.

Upon completion, DMV sends the voter registration applications to the County Board of Elections for review and action. Once processed, the county will notify the applicants either that they are registered to vote or that additional information is needed to complete the application. Additionally, New Yorkers can use the New York State Board of Elections’ website to check their voter registration status.