Voter Registration
Removing barriers
Although many barriers to voting—like property requirements, literacy tests, and poll taxes—are no longer constitutional, for many eligible citizens, voter registration continues to be a significant obstacle. More than a quarter of voting-age Americans are not registered and thus cannot vote. Voter registration drives conducted by nonpartisan, nonprofit organizations have dramatically increased voter registration rates among groups that have traditionally faced the greatest barriers to voting, including low-income, minority, and young voters. Unfortunately, instead of supporting such efforts, in the past few years a number of states have passed, and others are considering, laws and regulations shutting down or seriously restricting voter registration drives.
The Brennan Center engages in litigation, legislative drafting, and advocacy to remove unnecessary barriers to voter registration drives and to ensure that any regulation of those drives serves voters and protects First Amendment rights. In 2006, the Brennan Center successfully challenged restrictive laws in Florida and Ohio. We also helped to defeat efforts to restrict drives in other states.
Expanding access
Our ultimate goal is universal voter registration, with the government taking responsibility for ensuring that every eligible citizen is registered to vote in the correct jurisdiction, rather than placing the responsibility on individuals. We will soon release a report detailing several ways to achieve that ideal.
A key step toward universal registration is Election Day registration, where eligible citizens have the opportunity to register and vote on Election Day. In 43 states, citizens must register well in advance of Election Day, before media coverage really heats up and before candidates seek to educate or engage most citizens in the election. These early deadlines act to exclude eligible citizens who would otherwise be eager to vote. Election Day registration boots turnout by approximately 5–7 points in those states that allow eligible citizens to register on Election Day—with a decreased dependence on provisional ballots and without any reported increase in voter fraud.
The Brennan Center provides research, public education, advocacy, litigation, and legislative counseling for government officials and advocates promoting Election Day Registration. Our efforts have contributed to efforts to establish Election Day registration in at least five different states.
League of Women Voters of Florida v. Browning
Case challenging restrictions on third-party voter registration drives.
A case challenging restrictions on third party voter registration drives.
Black Eye for Registration Deadlines
The week of April 15 is a nice occasion on which to reflect on deadlines and what people tend to do in the face of deadlines, which, of course, is wait until the last minute before frantically rushing to get that form in on time. This is as true with voter registration as it is with taxes....
Iowa’s online voter registration forms can no longer be published in any language other than English. So said a ruling on March 31....
It Just Keeps Getting Worse In Mississippi
Things are looking pretty grim for Mississippi citizens who want to vote…
Illustrations by Risko
Election Protection Off to a Great Start Assisting
Nearly 400 Hotline Calls So Far Reporting Primary Election Barriers.
Brennan Center Lauds Federal Election Day Registration Bill
The Election Day Registration bill introduced by Senators Feingold and Klobuchar, and Representative Ellison would allow citizens to register to vote for all federal elections by registering on Election Day at polling places.
FL’s Voter Registration Law Halted Until July 2008
Secretary of State Kurt S. Browning stated he will not enforce the restrictions until the administrative rulemaking process is completed, which he estimates will occur no earlier than early July 2008.
Testimony of Andrew Stengel Before New York City Council Committee on Governmental Operations
Testimony of Andrew Stengel before the New York City Council Committee on Governmental Operations
Testimony of Deborah Goldberg Before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Elections
Democracy Program Director Deborah Goldberg testifies before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Elections on voter registration and voter list maintenance.
An Agenda for Americas Voters: Election Reform in the 110th Congress
This federal election reform agenda is the product of years of research and experience by the civil rights, voting rights, civic participation, and progressive advocacy community.
Florida: a Tough Place to Cast a Ballot
Florida is courting electoral trouble. Heading toward another presidential election, state officials are making it increasingly difficult for citizens to vote, according to Miami Herald editorial.
Three Strikes Against Florida Voters
n the past three weeks, Florida courts and election officials have put new roadblocks in the way for Floridians who want to participate in elections and exercise their right to vote.
New Efforts to Restrict Voter Registration Drives
A summary of state statutory restrictions on voter registration drives (last updated Sept. 10, 2007).