Online voting is a long way off in the Delaware Valley

Would you like to register to vote online?

It may be a while before such an option exists in Pennsylvania or New Jersey. In Delaware the First State is trying to make it easier to register — but you’ll need an electronic version of your signature.

Right now, you can download a Pennsylvania voter registration form online, but Ron Ruman of the Department of State says his office isn’t even thinking about the concept of doing voter registration online.

“There’s a lot of other things that are happening right now, and at this point, it’s something that may be considered in the future,” he said. “Right now, the current system seems to be working. Counties seem to be pleased with it.”

In Delaware, you can register online if you have your signature stored in your computer.

“If they are completing the form and have a scanned signature saved they can just cut and paste it on the line,” said Elaine Manlove, election commissioner in the First State. “That’s acceptable.”

Meanwhile, a bill has been introduced in the New Jersey Legislature for online registration, which would allow residents to use signatures stored in the Motor Vehicle Commission’s database.