WASHINGTON – The Virginia State Board of Elections approved changes to the voter registration application on Thursday that elections officials said will make the process easier for residents when they register to cast a ballot.

The new application will be streamlined and less confusing, with extensive directions replaced with simple check boxes.

“You used to have to flip back and forth on certain portions to see what the directions were asking you to do and to provide,” said Edgardo Cortés, elections commissioner in Virginia. “It’s going to be just a whole lot easier for them to follow along.”

A question that asks voters if they have ever been registered in the past will be displayed more prominently on the new form. Previously, the question was less visible and frequently left blank, leading to applications being denied.

They’ve have also done away with a box that voters were previously required to check, confirming they will be at least 18 years old on Election Day. Applications were denied when voters neglected to check the box previously, and the question was considered redundant because voters are required to list their birthdate on the form.

The state’s online voter registration tool will reflect the changes.