MVL Practice Concept Application FRQ

“In a move lawmakers hope will drive more Californians to the polls, Gov. Jerry Brown approved legislation that automatically registers citizens to vote when they obtain or renew driver's licenses or state identification cards.

California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, who sponsored the bill, said in a statement that the law will "make voter registration seamless" and will amount to "the largest voter registration drive in the nation's history."Padilla notes voters retain the right to opt out, cancel or change party affiliation at any time. His office also said an estimated 6.6 million Californians are eligible to vote but are not registered. Emily Rusch,executive director of the California Public Interest Research Group, thinks the new motor voter law is likely to have the greatest impact on young millennials. She said only 52 percent of the state's residents ages 18 to 24 were registered to vote before the midterm election.

Most of the Republicans in the California Legislature opposed the measure. And nationally, many conservative groups say these laws make state voter rolls more vulnerable to fraud. Hans von Spakovsky, a legal fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation, said just because the state automatically registers people does not necessarily mean they will decide to vote in elections.”

Read the scenario above and answer the following questions. Respond to all parts of the question. In your response, use substantive examples where appropriate.

1. Describe the voter demographic California’s law aims to benefit.
2. Explain how the law in the scenario would affect Republicans (Conservative) running for office.
3. In the context of the scenario, explain the potential change in voter turnout following this law.