The Old Capitol: Rick Scott signed the voter’s registration bill
Florida residents will be permitted to register to vote online starting in October 2017.
Governor Rick Scott signed a bill that would permit residents to register and update their voting information online on Friday.
Online voter registration follows the same process, but instead of filling out a paper application, the voter fills out a form online and the paperless form is submitted electronically to election officials.
Jaquay Williams, a 25-year-old from Tampa Fla., thinks the bill will cut down unnecessary time.
“Last year, I wasn't able to vote because my information wasn't updated," said Williams. "I felt like I never had the time to go to my designated precinct and update it. With online access, I can basically do it on my phone.”
In 2010, the Online Voters Registration did a case study in Arizona to see how much a person would be saving using online registration. Arizona experienced a decrease in pre-registration costs from 83 cents per paper registration to 3 cents per online registration. Other states have also experienced similar savings in online registrations.
Although there are concerns about cyber security, Scott was still supportive of the bill.
“We must do everything possible to encourage 100 percent participation in elections, with zero percent fraud," Scott told the Associated Press.
At this time, there has not been any fraud or security breaches reported. It is ensured that the system's security prevented fraud or breaches by hackers.
Not everyone is excited about the bill. Michelle Brown, a nurse at Tampa General Hospital, is opposed to Scott’s decision. “It’s a great way to save time and money, but I have been a victim of identity theft. I just don’t trust the internet," said Brown. "So, I’ll just continue doing it the old fashion way.”
Florida would be the 27 state to have passed the bill that will allow online voter registration.