When will automatic voter registration be fully implemented?

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Automatic Voter Registration Expected to be Fully Implemented by Mid-Next Year

The Election Commission (EC) was confident that the automatic voter registration system would be operational by the end of June 2021. This system is a crucial component tied to the constitutional amendment that lowered the voting age to 18, and its completion is slated for mid-next year. Once implemented, all eligible citizens will be automatically registered, significantly increasing the total number of voters.
System Readiness and Timeline

The EC deputy chairman, Azmi Sharom, indicated that the automatic voter registration system was targeted for completion by mid-next year, with a specific aim to have it up and running by the end of June 2021. This timeline is dependent on the resolution of various technical tasks and necessary inter-agency collaborations. The intention is for automatic registration and the ability for 18-year-olds to vote to occur simultaneously.
Post-Registration Process

Even after the automatic registration system is in place, individuals will not appear on the electoral roll immediately. The EC has a quarterly objection period, a legal requirement designed to verify the eligibility of all newly registered voters. This process, which ensures the legitimacy of the electoral roll, may take several months to complete following the initial automatic registration.
Challenges of Increased Voter Numbers

The introduction of automatic voter registration is projected to cause a substantial surge in the number of registered voters, potentially increasing the total from the current 15 million to approximately 20 million. This significant influx presents logistical challenges for the EC, necessitating the establishment of more polling centres and streams, along with increased resources such as ballot boxes and ink, which will consequently raise election costs.
Broader Electoral Reforms

Beyond the automatic registration system, the EC is actively pursuing a broader reform agenda aimed at enhancing the transparency of the electoral process. This ongoing study encompasses various aspects, including constituency delineation, electoral roll management, electoral offences, and the overall governance of the EC. The commission is also implementing measures like a "red flag" system to investigate suspicious entries on electoral rolls, such as unusually high numbers of voters at a single address or the inclusion of individuals over 90 years old, to ensure the integrity of elections.

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When will automatic voter registration be fully implemented?

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