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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Project Vote to Close Its Doors on May 31st
It is with great sadness—but also tremendous pride in our accomplishments—that Project Vote announces we will be suspending operations indefinitely. Read more
Texas Court Rules “Motor Voter” Applies to Online Transactions, Too
A court has ruled that the "Motor Voter" law means people using DMV services online must get the same voter registration services as those going in-person. Read more
Debunking Voter Fraud–An Interview with Michael Slater
Brad Friedman of the Brad Blog interviews Project Vote president Michael Slater about Trump's voter fraud allegations, and how they signal a massive attack on voting rights. Read more
Debunking Trump’s Voter Fraud Lies is Not Enough; We Must Also Prepare for What Comes Next
The Trump administration's lies about illegal voting signal a massive attack on voting rights. Read more
New Report Explains How “Motor Voter” is Leaving Voters Who Move Behind
When you update your address at the DMV, they should also update your voter registration. But a new report explains how—in too many states—that just isn't happening. Read more
Good News in Lawsuit to Protect NC Voters
A federal judge has ordered North Carolina election officials to take actions to protect eligible citizens and allow them to vote by provisional ballot on November 8. Read more
Voting Rights Fight in Georgia Grows More Intense
The fight for voting rights in Georgia isn’t new; we have been working there for years. Read more
Florida Fails to Register Voters at Motor Vehicles Offices
Florida residents have been denied the federally required opportunity to register to vote when interacting with motor vehicles offices. Read more
Report from US Commission on Civil Rights Highlights Crucial NVRA Section 7 Compliance Requirements
A new report from the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights provides important proposals and guidelines for ensuring that all Americans have an opportunity to register and vote. Read more
Court Must Intervene to Protect N.C. Voters, Project Vote Argues
At a court hearing this week, Project Vote attorneys argued North Carolina voters need immediate relief in advance of the November election. Read more