Starting in just a few weeks, eligible Californians will be able to register to vote online.
Senate Bill 397 was passed last year and goes into effect in early September after county voter offices finish installing the software.
On Friday, the San Diego County Registrar of Voters hadn't yet received the software needed for the new system, but the connectivity is in place to start installing it, according to Deborah Seiler with the Registrar.
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The law, written by Senator Leland Yee (D-San Mateo) was designed to improve access to the voting system, and establish a more accurate way of processing registration paperwork. Often, individuals will send fake names on voter registration forms to fill quotas, Yee said in a statement.
Currently, U.S. citizens registering to vote must do so by mail. Forms are available online or at select locations.
The online voting software will compare the voter's signature with the signature from the DMV to verify the voter's identity. This means anyone who wants to register online must have a driver's license, according to a spokesperson with Yee's office.
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The law is also expected to save counties money by cutting back on administrative positions needed to process registration forms.
Seiler said employees at the Registrar are hoping to get the system up and running by Labor Day.
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