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Registering to vote by using a pen and paper in person could be a thing of the past under a proposed online voter registration bill. But as Matt Galka tells us, one of the Governor’s top officials, the Secretary of State, is adamantly opposed, much to the dismay of Senators.

Florida lawmakers say it’s about time the state joins 20 others in implementing online voter registration.  A computer based tool that could help boost ballot numbers.

“We can’t be stuck in the 1900’s anymore, we’ve found a secure way of doing this,” said bill sponsor Sen. Jeff Clemens (D-Lake Worth).

But Secretary of State and top election official Ken Detzner isn’t backing it, even though he originally did. Senators grilled him over his flip flop.

“Have you had any direction from the Governor’s office or anyone else that influenced you to change your position and say that we shouldn’t do this and shouldn’t pass this bill?” asked Sen. Don Gaetz (R-Niceville).

Detzner gave a wordy “no.”

“I’m concerned about having the date hanging over my head because it changes and enforces a realignment of the people and the resources the taxpayers resources,” he said.

The program would need to be in place by October of 2017. Clemens isn’t so sure the lack of support isn’t just a Republican roadblock.

“Truthfully, if you’re giving someone two and a half years and you can’t do it, than you probably need to find some new staff,” said Sen. Clemens.

The sponsor said he’s admittedly worried about a veto, but it might not even get that far after hitting a snag on the House floor. The bill was supposed to be taken up but was postponed after questions arose over funding.

The Senate says the program could cost anywhere between $250 grand up to nearly $2 million, based on other state’s implementation.

Florida’s House Speaker said his chamber could take up the Senate bill, but Florida Governor Rick Scott could veto the measure if it makes it to his desk.