By Cole Lauterbach/Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – After legislation on voting that would have automatically registered people who visit any one of several state agencies could not survive Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto, a Republican state senator’s bill may be the best option. 

On one of the last scheduled sessions of the year, lawmakers in Springfield didn’t have the votes to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of a bill that would have automatically added millions to the state’s voter rolls. 

While Rauner agreed with the concept of the bill, his central objection was that it would have left the state vulnerable to voter fraud.  

State Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, said her bill addresses that while still automatically registering voters at agencies such as the DMV. 

“This bill would give individuals a clear opportunity to opt out of the registration application and would be required at that time to testify by signature that they meet voter registration requirements on the front end,” Rezin said.  

The bill also addresses the possibility of personal voter information being divulged in the process of auto-registration. 

“It ensures that the state doesn’t violate privacy laws regarding citizenship status by forcing agencies to share this confidential information, which was a concern as well.” 

Advocates involved with drafting the now-failed auto-voter bill had said they would consider Rezin’s bill, should the veto on theirs stand. 

Illinois Public Interest Research Group Director Abe Scarr said Rezin’s bill wouldn’t see as many new voters as SB 250 because it would still have people being asked whether they want to register, instead of just doing it for them. 

“By human nature, a lot of people will opt out because they think they’re registered.” 

Six states and the District of Columbia have automatic voter registration laws in place. 

Rezin’s bill in the Senate is identical to one filed in the House by Minority Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs.