Gov. Jerry Brown on Monday signed a bill that makes it easier for Californians to vote by allowing same-day voter registration.

Assembly Bill 1436, authored by Assemblyman Mike Feuer (D-Los Angeles), allows same-day voter registration, giving Californians the right to vote with a provisional ballot if the conditional voter registration is deemed effective.

“Voting – the sacred right of every citizen – should be simple and convenient,” said Gov. Brown. “While other states try to restrict voters with new laws that burden the process, California allows voters to register online – and even on Election Day.”

A statement from Feuer’s office said AB 1436 is meant to increase voter turnout by allowing potential voters to register in the days preceding an upcoming election, including Election Day.

“This new law will help assure that all eligible Californians will have the chance to determine who speaks for them in Washington, Sacramento and their home towns,” said Feuer. “By recognizing the importance of increasing voter turnout in our state, we are improving the democratic process in California.”

Currently in California, voter affidavits must be hand-delivered or postmarked to a county elections office at least 15 days before the election. Exceptions are made for people who become U.S. citizens 7-14 days before Election Day. These individuals are allowed to register and vote up to seven days prior to the election.  

Currently, 10 states allow some form of Election Day registration, including Connecticut, Idaho, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The provisions of AB 1436 will go into statute on Jan. 1, 2014, and the law will take effect when Vote Cal, the state’s federally mandated statewide voter database, is fully implemented by the Secretary of State’s office.

Last year, Gov. Brown signed Senate Bill 397 (Yee) allowing Californians to register to vote online.