Add Maryland (probably) to the list of states that are taking an important step to strengthen democracy by adopting automatic voter registration.

The Maryland House of Delegates passed the “Secure and Accessible Registration Act” late this morning by a vote of 93-46, sending it to Gov. Larry Hogan for his signature. The governor has not taken a public position.

The bill would require that state officials register eligible citizens to vote when they do business with the Department of Motor Vehicles and other state agencies. Citizens who do not want to be voters would be able to opt out of registration.

If Hogan signs the bill, Maryland will become the 11^th state, plus the District of Columbia, to move to automatic registration. Earlier in its current session, the Maryland legislature also embraced a state constitutional amendment that would permit eligible citizens to register and vote on the same day. That proposal will be on the ballot for voter approval in November.

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