SENATE OKS VOTER REGISTRATION BILL.(Main)

Byline: Associated Press

The Senate voted 61-38 Wednesday for a bill requiring the automatic voter registration of people when they apply for driver's licenses, or for welfare, unemployment, disability and other benefits.

Six Republicans joined 55 Democrats to pass the bill despite Bush administration claims it would lead to election fraud and pressure applicants for benefits to register for the party of power.

New York's Republican Sen. Alfonse D'Amato voted against the bill; his Democratic counterpart, Sen. Daniel P. Moynihan, voted for it.

GOP leaders, who had filibustered the bill for three years, predicted President Bush would veto it. …