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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Memorandum of Understanding on NVRA Compliance – Nevada DMV
Project Vote and partners reached an understanding with Nevada officials to streamline and modernize voter registration opportunities through the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Read more
Memorandum of Understanding on NVRA Compliance – Nevada Secretary of State
Project Vote and partners reached an understanding with Nevada officials to streamline and modernize voter registration opportunities through the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Read more
Action NC v. Strach: Directive from Kim Strach to Count Provisional Ballots
Directive from Kim Strach, director of the North Carolina Board of Directors, instructing that provisional ballots of certain voters who attempted to register at DMVs must be counted. Read more
Action NC et al v. Strach (North Carolina): Court Order
Court order denying defendants' motion to dismiss, and granting in part plaintiff's motion for preliminary injunction Read more
Action NC et al v. Strach (North Carolina): Memo in Support of Preliminary Injunction
Project Vote and partners filed for a preliminary injunction to force North Carolina to immediately comply with Secs. 5 and 7 of the NVRA. Read more
Action NC et al v. Strach (North Carolina): Memo in Support of Expedited Discovery
A memo in support of expedited discovery in Action NC et al v. Strach. Read more
National Council of La Raza v. Miller: Settlement Agreement
Settlement agreement in National Council of La Raza v. Miller Read more
Notice Letter to Nevada on NVRA Section 5 Violations
Pre-litigiation notice letter to Nevada Sec. of State Barbara Cegavske, concerning the state's ongoing violations of the "motor voter" law. Read more
A. Phillip Randolph Institute et al vs. Strach (North Carolina): Complaint
Complaint filed against the state of North Carolina for violations of the National Voter Registration Act. Read more
Oklahoma: Settlement
Settlement agreement in which Oklahoma agreed to comply with the NVRA and distribute voter registration applications in in-person and remote transactions. Read more