Exactly nine years to the day after launching his bid for the White House, President Obama returned to Springfield, Ill., yesterday – the site of his campaign kickoff – to deliver a speech in the House Chamber of the Illinois State Capitol. And while the remarks touched on a variety of issues, mainly focused on the need for a better kind of politics, Obama’s call to “reduce … barriers to voting” also stood out for me.

“[Bills are pending in the state legislature] that would automatically register every eligible citizen to vote when they apply for a driver’s license. That will protect the fundamental right of everybody. Democrats, Republicans, independents, seniors, folks with disabilities, the men and women of our military – it would make sure that it was easier for them to vote and have their vote counted.