Election Law - Enhanced Automatic Voter Registration System
HB 871 requires Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) to implement an enhanced automatic voter registration system for eligible applicants during specific transactions, such as driver's license applications or renewals. The system automatically registers eligible residents to vote unless they explicitly decline, after which the MVA must provide a clear "enhanced notice" explaining registration eligibility, qualifications, and opt-out options. Voter registration data from applicants who don’t decline must be transmitted electronically to the State Board of Elections within 5 days. This applies primarily to MVA interactions but could expand to other agencies like social services or health exchanges with their consent. The bill aims to streamline voter registration while ensuring applicants understand their rights and choices.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 4, 2026
Last action Feb 5, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
2
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Feb 4, 2026
Committee
First Reading Government, Labor, and Elections
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Vaughn Stewart
DDemocratic
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