Congress passed the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) in 1993 to increase the number of citizens registered to vote in Federal elections.
One of the most important ways the NVRA was designed to increase registration was by ensuring that citizens are offered the opportunity to register to vote at places where they interact with the government: at motor vehicle offices and public assistance offices (such as those that provide Food Stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Medicaid).
However, since the implementation of the NVRA in 1995–1996, many states have been neglecting the voter registration provisions of the law. Project Vote works to enforce the NVRA’s requirements, and ensure that all citizens are provided with the voter registration assistance they are guaranteed under the law.
The Government Agency Registration Program assists states, social service agencies, motor vehicle offices, and election officials with implementation of the NVRA’s requirements. In addition to technical assistance, the Program conducts research, documents noncompliance and, when necessary, initiates litigation to enforce the NVRA.
Additionally, the Government Agency Registration Program works to expand voter registration opportunities at other places where eligible citizens interact with their government, such as immigration offices and health benefits providers.
Voter registration drives will always have an essential role to play in our democracy, but the responsibility to register eligible Americans to vote must rest first and foremost on the government.
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Section 7 of the National Voter Registration Act: A Toolkit for Public Agencies
Based on Project Vote’s exhaustive experience, this toolkit is a compilation of best practices for providing voter registration services required by Section 7 of the National Voter Registration Act. Read more
Groups Claim Arkansas Not Complying With Voter Registration Law
Public assistance agencies in Arkansas are failing to provide voter-registration services as required under the National Voter Registration Act. Read more
Arkansas Neglecting Low-Income Voters, in Violation of Federal Law
Today voting rights groups sent an official notice letter to Secretary of State Mark Martin, informing him that Arkansas public assistance agencies are failing to comply with the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). Read more
Notice Letter to Oklahoma on NVRA Section 7 Violations
Pre-litigation notice Letter to the Oklahoma State Board of Elections concerning compliance with Section 7 of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). Read more
Notice Letter to Arizona on NVRA Section 7 Violations
Pre-litigation notice Letter to the Arizona Secretary of State concerning compliance with Section 7 of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). Read more
Voting groups: Arizona is failing low-income residents
Local and national voting-rights groups say Arizona is failing to provide voter registration information to low-income residents. Read more
Arizona Once Again Failing to Offer Required Voter Registration
Secretary of State Bennett and State Agencies on notice for violations of federal law. Read more
Motor voter problems mean delays at polls
The culprit was a new online voter registration system at motor vehicle offices. Read more
As Secretary Burwell Starts Work, Fixing Voter Registration System in Health Benefits Exchanges Should Be a Top Priority
Congressional Progressive Caucus and voting rights groups call on new head of HHS to address violations of federal voting law. Read more
Video: Public Assistance Lawsuit in Georgia
A video highlighting the successful lawsuit Project Vote and our partners brought to enforce the NVRA public assistance requirements in Georgia. Read more