I just reviewed the newly proposed Voter Registration Application as well as the regulations that follow. First of all, the size of the new registration forms present a problem. It is simply too large, length wise, to file with our existing registration forms without folding back section 7(Affirmation and Signature Line). If the location of section 6 (Previous Voter Registration Information) was swapped with section 7, this would eliminate the problem. If filled out, the section asking for previous voter registration info could be folded back allowing the signature line to be visible when viewing the document once it has been cut down to filing size.

Also, the layout of this form may make it hard for a voter to visually locate each section. There are 7 sections. Section 1 and 2 are read from top to bottom. When you reach section 3 and 4 they are read from left to right. Finally, sections 5,6, and 7 are read from top to bottom. The first time I reviewed this application format, I completely missed section 4 because I naturally wanted to continue to read from top to bottom despite the numbered indicators prompting me to change directions. I realize section 4 is not a required field, however, it does provide the registrar's office with valuable information that I would hate to see omitted due to a formatting issue.

Finally, the regulations that accompany the new form present some confusion as well. On page1, sections 11-13 of the Proposed Revisions to Voter Registration Application Regulations are considered non material omissions IF the applicant has signed the affirmation. This means that a voter would now be able to submit an application, formerly considered incomplete, and the registration office would be required to accept it as long as they've signed the affirmation.

I'm wondering what the purpose of including sections 11-13 is if they are technically allowed to be left blank as long as a signature is present. I understand that if an individual has been convicted of a felony or has been declared mentally incapacitated they must list the date that their rights were restored in order to register. However, it just seems a bit pointless to mark these sections on the actual application with an asterisk indicating that they are "required" when we will process their application without this information, providing the applicant signed the form.

I realize a change like this is complicated, however, I hope these points will be considered before moving forward with the updated registration form.