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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Voting Rights Groups Call on Obama Administration to Bring Federal Health Care Exchanges into Compliance with Federal Law
Yesterday, in a letter to President Obama, leaders for nonprofit voting rights organizations Demos and Project Vote alerted the White House that the application process for benefits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) currently violates the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA). Read more
Is Obama Running Away From a Voter Registration Fight With the GOP?
Obamacare should lead to millions of new registered voters, but the administration may be selling that effort short. Read more
The left’s latest problem with Obama admin
In a letter sent Wednesday to President Obama, leaders of Demos and Project Vote claimed the application process for ACA benefits violates the 1993 National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). Read more
Alabama Agrees to Procedures to Ensure Voter Registration Opportunities at Public Assistance Agencies
Settlement agreements intend to address deficiencies in Alabama's provision of voter registration services and guarantee compliance with Section 7 of the NVRA. Read more
Alabama reaches agreement on voter registration
Alabama could see more low-income citizens signing up to vote now that voter rights groups and state officials have reached an agreement… Read more
Appeals court examines state’s voter-registration obligations
A federal appeals court is considering whether Louisiana must help its poor citizens on public assistance register to vote when they interact with state agencies online, over the telephone or through the mail. Read more
Notice Letter to South Carolina on NVRA Section 7 Violations
Pre-litigation notice Letter to South Carolina officials concerning compliance with Section 7 of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). Read more
Civil rights groups claim N.J. violating ‘motor voter act,’ threaten to sue
Lawyers for the NAACP and a coalition of other civil rights groups claim New Jersey has been violating the National Voting Rights Act and say they will sue if changes are not made. Read more
Notice Letter to New Jersey on NVRA Violations
Project Vote and partners sent a notice letter that the state is not in compliance with the requirements of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA) Read more
New Jersey Failing to Offer Voter Registration to Low-Income Residents
A notification letter sent today calls on New Jersey to take corrective action necessary to comply with the NVRA or face possible litigation. Read more