VRM in the States: Permanence

Permanence

States can achieve permanent registration, through automatic address updates to capture voters who have moved, and Election Day processes that enable voters who have moved within the state to vote.  Many states have adopted these procedures with great success.

Changes of Address Possible on Election Day

• 8 states have a system of permanent registration that allows registered voters who move to cast ballots that count even if they do not update their registrations before Election Day.  Those states are Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, and Washington. 

Automatic Address Updates

• Minnesota and Oregon automatically update voter registration records of voters who have moved within the state when the postal service processes changes of address for these voters. 
• Delaware has an automated system that allows voters to automatically update their voting information while updating their driver's license or state identification card.  The data sent from the Department of Motor Vehicles to the Department of Elections is checked against various other state and federal databases to ensure that it is correct.
• Kansas recently launched a new online system that links the databases of the Secretary of State's office and the Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles so that voters can easily register to vote online using information filed with the DMV.
• Michigan has an automated system that allows voters to update their voter registration record while updating their information with the Department of Motor Vehicles.