Governor Culver Signs Same-Day Voter Registration Bill

Press Release

Today, Governor Chet Culver signed HF 653, which allows a person to register to vote after the normal statutory deadline for registration for an election and to vote in that election.

Governor Chet Culver, smiles with state Senator Staci Appel, sponsor of the same day voter registration bill. Her sons Theodore, 9, and Jacob, 8, also attended the bill signing. "This is an historic day for voting rights in Iowa," said Governor Culver. "For far too long, many Iowans had difficulty voting because of our restrictions on voter registration. However, with this legislation, that is no longer the case. From this day forward, Iowans will have the ability to register and vote on Election Day, giving thousands of Iowans a voice in our democracy. This is something I supported as Secretary of State, and it is something I am proud to sign into law as Governor.

"Here in Iowa, we want to make it as easy as possible for Iowans to be involved in the democratic process. This bill achieves this goal. I strongly believe getting more people to vote is good for democracy and good for the future of this state.

"I want to thank everyone who worked to make this happen. I especially want to thank the legislature for their work in passing this bill and bringing it to my desk. Thanks to the hard work of everyone on this legislation, we are standing up for the right to vote for all Iowans and expanding political participation across the state."

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