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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Federal court finds election law violations in Louisiana
“It’s a great day in Louisiana for voting rights.” Read more
Federal Court Rules That Louisiana Systemically Violated the NVRA
On January 23, voting rights advocates won a major legal victory on behalf of Louisiana’s public assistance agency clients, the state’s most vulnerable and most marginalized residents. Read more
Judge: Agencies violated voter registration law
A federal judge has ruled that Louisiana public assistance agencies have violated a law that requires them to provide applicants with voter registration forms regardless of whether the transaction is done in person or by mail, telephone or online. Read more
Scott v. Schedler: Ruling
District court's Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law in Scott v. Schedler. Read more
National Council of La Raza v Miller: District Court Order
District court order dismissing National Council of La Raza v. Miller due to lack of standing. Read more
Governor Brown Signs Padilla Bill to Expand Voter Registration
The new law will facilitate voter registration and further California's compliance with the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), commonly known as Motor Voter. Read more
Pennsylvania welfare offices begin reporting voter registration
The state has made its first monthly report of voter registrations at welfare offices after settling a lawsuit over its obligation to help clients join the electoral rolls. Read more
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania settles National Voter Registration Act case
On Wednesday, the Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP) and ACTION United entered a Court approved Settlement Agreement with Pennsylvania officials, resolving claims relative to the Commonwealth’s compliance with the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). Read more
Black Political Empowerment Project v. Aichele: Settlement
Settlement agreement in which Pennsylvania agreed to comply with the NVRA and distribute voter registration applications in in-person and remote transactions. / Read more
Pennsylvania Facing Backlash for Voting Policies
Project Vote is reporting that two groups have filed a lawsuit claiming that Pennsylvania has not complied with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. Read more