To: Laurie Slade Funderburk (SC-52) and The South Carolina State House
Vote YES for Online Voter Registration in SC (H4945)
Please vote YES on H.4945 - the online voter registration bill for those with a valid SC Drivers License of DMV-issued ID. Arizona was the first state to allow online voter registration. If we move quickly, SC can be among the first 10 states to join them.
But please, instead of requiring the entire Social Security number on the online application (as confirmation of identity), only ask for the last 4 digits. SC is one of the last 5 states to require a full SS# on voter registration applications. Let's join the others (including Arizona) and reduce the risk of identity theft in South Carolina by moving to 'last 4.'
Why is this important?
H.4945 is a GOOD bill that would allow prospective voters to register online if they have a valid SC Drivers License or DMV-issued ID. Eligible voters could still register the old-fashioned ways, but this would be a new convenient option. It would also improve the quality and consistency between our Election and DMV systems, and help reduce administrative costs over time.
But there's one way the bill could be improved. It also calls for the voter's full Social Security number as a secondary confirmation of identity. SC is one of only 5 remaining states that require a full SS# to process a voter registration application. Most other states (including Arizona) use a DMV-issued number and the last 4 digits of the SS#. We should finally join them.
Additional information about H.4945: (copy/paste the URL in your web browser)
1. Full text of H.4945:
2. "SC bill would allow voters to register online." Seanna Adcox (AP), March 22, 2012.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/03/22/3118285_sc-bill-would-allow-voters-to.html