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: Complaint Exhibit 1: Notice Letter
Pre-litigation notice letter informing Secretary of State Tom Schedler that Louisiana public assistance agencies were not in compliance with Section 7 of the NVRA. Read more
Valdez v. Duran: Memorandum Opinion and Order
Order denying defendants' motions for summary judgment and granting plaintiff's motion for summary judgment. Read more
Valdez v. Duran: Amended Complaint
Amended Complaint Read more
Harkless v. Brunner: Signed Settlement Agreement
Signed settlement agreement providing for institutionalization of voter registration services in Ohio public assistance agencies, in compliance with the NVRA. Read more
Indiana State Conference of NAACP v. Gargano: Settlement Agreement
Settlement agreement in which Indiana public assistance agencies agree to comply with voter registration requirements of the National Voter Registration Act. Read more
ACORN v. Levy: Settlement Agreement
Settlement agreement in which Missouri Department of Social Services agrees to provide voter registration services to public assistance clients as required by the National Voter Registration Act. Read more
Indiana State Conference of NAACP v. Gargano: Notice Letter
Pre-litigation notice letter concerning Indiana's violations of Sec. 7 of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). Read more
Harkless v. Brunner: Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Opinion
Decision in Harkless v. Brunner, establishing an important precedent that state officials have ultimate responsibility for compliance with the NVRA. Read more
Settlement Agreement between AZ DES and DOJ
An agreement reached between the Arizona’s Department of Economic Security (DES) and the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) to implement federal law that requires the state to provide voter registration services at public assistance agencies. Read more
Notice Letter to Arizona on NVRA 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