Final answer:
Oregon took the unusual step of implementing automatic voter registration for eligible citizens holding a driver's license or state ID, thereby facilitating ease of voter turnout and potentially strengthening democratic participation. Option B is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Oregon's Unusual Step to Increase Voter Registration
In 2015, Oregon implemented a groundbreaking approach to voter registration by adopting an automatic voter registration system for eligible citizens. With this system, citizens who are at least eighteen years old and possess a driver's license or state ID are automatically registered to vote. This policy leverages data from the Department of Motor Vehicles to streamline the registration process and update voter rolls whenever citizens update their license information.
Although automatic voter registration has been somewhat controversial, it reflects Oregon's commitment to expanding voter participation. Supporters of this policy suggest that it represents a step in the right direction for democracy, encouraging more citizens to take part in elections. Additionally, following the passage of this law, approximately 225,000 residents were added to Oregon's voter rolls at the beginning of 2016. Around 43 percent of those newly registered voters participated in the 2016 election, signifying a successful increase in voter turnout.
The automatic registration approach stands in contrast to other states that employ different methods. While North Dakota does not require voter registration, Arizona pioneered online voter registration in 2002. The systems implemented to increase voter participation not only diversify the methods available but also reflect different states’ emphasis on making the voting process more accessible.
Overall, Oregon's step towards increasing voter registration has been influential and could potentially affect millions of eligible yet unregistered voters if implemented nationwide. Such a move might inspire other states to follow suit in efforts to strengthen democracy by broadening electoral participation.
The correct option regarding the unusual step Oregon took to increase voter registration is b) Automatic voter registration for eligible citizens.