Gov. Tom Wolf Thursday announced more than a quarter million Pennsylvanians have used the state’s new online voter registration (OVR) application to register to vote in less than a year since the system was launched.
OVR is one of multiple projects launched by Gov. Wolf to provide Commonwealth residents with more online tools that improve customer service and make interacting with state services easier.
“The primary goal of online voter registration is reduce the burden of participating in the electoral process and today’s announcement is a testament to the success and popularity of the online voter application launched under my administration,” Gov. Wolf said. “Putting more services online has been a priority of my administration as state government must be adaptive to consumer behavior. OVR both makes registering more convenient and reduces costs for county governments.”
As of this week, 251,171 Pennsylvanians have used register.votespa.com to register for the first time. A total of 445,475 total applications have been processed since August of last year when voter registration change applications are included.
“Back in August 2015 when OVR was launched in Pennsylvania, we were the 23rd state to introduce the online alternative to paper applications. Today, a year later, there are at least 32 jurisdictions including the District of Columbia offering online registration,” Secretary of State Pedro A. Cortés said. “OVR has proven to be a faster, more convenient and easier option than traditional paper registration. Whether registering for the first time or updating their voter records, Pennsylvanians are embracing OVR.”
The OVR site, launched in August 2015, can link to electronic signatures on file with the Department of Transportation. As of March 2016, registrants can also upload their signature with technology similar to that used by banks for mobile check deposit.
Pennsylvania’s OVR system is available in English and Spanish. The latest protocols in data security have been built into the system and are constantly monitored and updated.
The deadline to register to vote for the November general election is October 11.
