In carefully reviewing the voter registration form with proposed I was most interested in how it might affect the process of actually registering voters. As a person who has registered many voters there are several features of the proposed form that add clarity, reduce the likelihood of an incomplete form, and provide a more logical order for completing the form. The changes can assist the applicant and those registering voters.

            For example, placing the affirmation statement last, after the previous voter information section, makes sense. (Section 4, where a registrant can request information on being an Election Officer, could be placed elsewhere, however.)

            It is clear that there is no change on the form that allows for the registration of an ineligible person, such as a non-citizen or a felon whose rights have not been restored or a person adjudicated mentally incompetent. The proposed Affirmation statement, called the Registration Statement on the current form, has stronger language and includes the penalty for voting more than once in an election or making a false statement -- up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $2500.

            The location of the application Receipt is not of great concern for registering voters by third parties because we can pre-populate the Receipt and make photocopies for convenience. The information the new registrant needs is on the face of the receipt. The Photo ID information on the back of the form is good for the new registrant but that information will be included on the Voter  Information card they will receive in the mail.

                        It is understandable that some of the changes may affect convenience and current practices of registrars. The information in the section with the previous registration address must be sent to an election office elsewhere but it seems that a copy of the entire form could be sent. There may be adjustments that will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the registrars in processing the applications.

            The starred statement at the top about **17 year olds who will be 18 years old by the next November general election should state that they may vote in any intervening primary or special election, not just in a presidential primary -- per Virginia Code 24.2-403.

            Thank you for this opportunity to analyze the proposed form and to make comments.