With the stroke of her pen, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown opened democracy’s door to more than 300,000 Oregonians on Monday. The governor’s signature puts HB 2177, the “New Motor Voter” law on the books. The law will automatically add to the voter rolls Oregonians who obtain a new driver’s license or renew their existing license; it’s the first such law in the nation and a welcome break from a disturbing series of moves in other states to erect new barriers to registration and voting. 

Congratulations to Gov. Brown, who aggressively pushed for the new law as secretary of state and made its passage her first priority after taking office last month. Common Cause was proud to be part of a coalition of organizations that worked with her to get it passed.