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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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
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
Black Political Empowerment Project v. Aichele: Complaint
Lawsuit filed on behalf of Black Political Empowerment Project and ACTION United, charging the state of Pennsylvania has failed to provide voter registration services to public assistance clients as required by the National Voter Registration Act. Read more
Notice Letter to Alabama on NVRA Violations
Pre-litigation notice Letter to the Alabama Secretary of State concerning compliance with Section 7 of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). Read more
Notice Letter to Florida on NVRA Violations
Pre-litigation notice Letter to the Florida's Secretary of State concerning compliance with Section 7 of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). Read more
Notice Letter to Arkansas on NVRA Violations
Pre-litigation notice Letter to the Arkansas Secretary of State concerning compliance with Section 7 of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). Read more
National Council of La Raza v. Miller: Complaint
Complaint filed against Secretary of State Ross Miller and Director of the Department of Health & Human Services, Michael Willden, alleging that the state has systematically failed to comply with Section 7 of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). Read more
NAACP v Galvin: Complaint
Lawsuit filed on behalf of NAACP-NEAC and New England United for Justice, and an individual plaintiff, charging that Massachusetts public agencies are failing to comply with the NVRA. Read more
National Council of La Raza v Miller: Notice Letter
Pre-litigation notice letter informing Secretary of State Ross Miller that Nevada public assistance agencies were not in compliance with Section 7 of the NVRA. Read more