by Scott Toland
Citizens of Douglas County can now register to vote for upcoming elections without having to leave their homes. An online system was implemented to provide more accessibility for people in the county and could potentially lead to an increase in the number of registered voters.
For the first time, citizens will be able to access voter registration forms online by accessing Douglas County’s Web site, which will allow them to save time and the effort of going to pick up a paper form. The system was implemented about a month ago. County Clerk Jamie Shew said that some people have already used the online method and that the system might result in more registered voters.
“It may, just for the pure fact that it provides more access to our office,” Shew said.
Shew said that accessibility was one of the main factors that went into the decision to add this new system. He also said that the system did not result in any additional expenses for the county.
Because a signature is still required, the form must be printed and filled out before it is sent to the county clerk’s office. Forms can then be faxed, mailed, or scanned and e-mailed to complete the process. If people choose to e-mail or fax their forms to the office, then they can save time and possibly money for gas by not having to mail their paperwork.
“We have a very transitory population in Douglas County with commuters and the large amount of students in town,” Shew said. “It gives them the chance to access our office without coming directly to our courthouse.”
Douglas County is not the first Kansas county to install such a system, but instead is following the lead of one of its neighbors.
Johnson County began lobbying with the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office for an online voter registration system two years ago. Around the start of this year, the state decided to allow the system to be put into place.
“We like to think we’re the trailblazers,” said Brian Newby, Johnson County Election Commissioner. “When we got the ‘yes,’ we were ready to go.”
Newby said that the online system is even more important for Johnson County than Douglas County because of the amount of people in the area. He also said that it allows his office to save time and money because the whole process can go much faster.
“It’s a bigger deal for us than Douglas County,” Newby said. “We were probably more ready to do it because we were the ones asking them to do it.”
No official figures exist that document the number of Kansas counties that now have a similar system in place, but one state official said he thinks this number is on the rise.
Brad Bryant, who is in charge of Elections and Legislative Matters at the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office, said he definitely sees a trend when it comes to voter information available online. He also said that paper voter registration forms can still be obtained in every county in the state.
“There’s still a demand for that, but everything’s moving more towards the Internet,” Bryant said. “People demand it to be on the Internet because it’s more accessible.”
The process of accessing forms online may become popular with students at the University of Kansas, who will not have to leave their dorm rooms or apartments to register in time to vote.
Damon Lang, Oskaloosa junior, said he thinks it is a good idea and is certain that the system will lead to more registered voters.
“I’m sure it will,” Lang said. “It will make it a lot easier.”
Bryant said he is unsure just how many Kansas counties now offer forms online, but said voter information is now entered onto computerized databases instead of being filed in a catalog system.
“I think there are a number of other counties who have the registration card on the Web site,” Bryant said. “In recent years, everyone has moved to a computerized list.”
Although the online system has been met with success so far, paper forms are still available at many locations in Douglas County, including post offices and the Veteran’s Affairs Office.
Newby said he thinks the system is beneficial for both the public and his office and said that Johnson County has already been processing hundreds of forms each month. He said that the system requires a little extra effort for voters to get the form to the office, but said that it makes it easier for both parties involved.
“It’s really good for everybody,” Newby said. “I’m glad to hear Lawrence is doing it too.”