Bill > HB871

This bill mandates that the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) implement an enhanced automatic voter registration system by January 1, 2029, which will integrate voter registration into certain transactions, specifically those related to obtaining or renewing a driver's license or identification card that complies with the federal REAL ID Act. This system will transmit voter registration information to the State Board of Elections, but only if the applicant is a U.S. citizen and at least 16 years old, and it will offer the opportunity to select a political party affiliation. The bill also allows the State Board of Elections to expand this enhanced automatic voter registration to other agencies, such as federal agencies that conduct naturalization ceremonies, with their consent, and clarifies that individuals participating in certain confidentiality programs will be excluded from this automatic registration unless regulations state otherwise. Furthermore, it modifies reporting requirements for agencies involved in automatic voter registration and adjusts the effective date of the Act to June 1, 2026.

Government Affairs

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0871?ys=2026RS