Same-day voter registration is an effective way to encourage participation in our democracy. Unfortunately, this isn’t an option in Utah. HB91, sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Chavez-Houck, D-Salt Lake City, seeks to remedy this shortcoming.

This proposal isn’t unique to Utah. Ten other states and the District of Columbia currently offer some form of same-day registration, and two more states enacted SDR in 2012. Legislation allowing SDR is pending in 14 other states.

The most important thing to be gained from same-day registration is increased voter turnout, something greatly needed in Utah, where only 57 percent of eligible voters cast ballots in 2012. Utterly disgraceful!

HB91 is a cost-effective, pragmatic bill. The Utah Legislature would be well-advised to pass it.

Ryan Curtis

Salt Lake City