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 groups: Arizona is failing low-income residents
Local and national voting-rights groups say Arizona is failing to provide voter registration information to low-income residents. Read more
Motor voter problems mean delays at polls
The culprit was a new online voter registration system at motor vehicle offices. Read more
Obamacare helping millions register to vote
Nationwide, Obamacare could ultimately be responsible for registering anywhere from 3 to 7 million voters over the next eight years. Read more
Californians who used health marketplaces receive voter registration forms
California officials have started sending voter registration forms to 4 million people who shopped on the state’s new online health insurance marketplace, as part of a legal settlement with voting rights groups… Read more
Progressive Groups Take Obama to Task for Violating Voting Rights Law
After months of quiet lobbying, civil rights groups and progressive organizations are now coming out publicly against the Obama administration for failing to enforce a voting rights law that applies to the Obamacare health insurance exchanges. Read more
Obamacare Voter Registration Criticized By Left and Right
“There is a day and night difference between what is required by law and what the administration has done,” said Michael Slater, executive director of Project Vote. 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
Liberal groups: O-Care breaking voting law
Demos and Project Vote contend that the application process through the federal exchanges don’t provide sufficient voter registration services. 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