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 Rights Advocates Announce Agreement with State of Nevada to Modernize Voter Registration Opportunities
Voting rights advocates and Nevada officials announced today that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in order to streamline and modernize voter registration opportunities through the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Read more
Project Vote to Trump Administration: Leave the NVRA Alone
The Trump administration is already planning to go after the NVRA. Project Vote has been defending this essential federal law for more than a decade, and we're not about to stop now. Read more
Nearly 1,500 Votes Being Counted Because of Action NC v. Strach
As a result of a lawsuit brought by Project Vote and partners, over 1,500 North Carolinians—who would otherwise have been disenfranchised—will have their votes counted. Read more
Federal Court Says North Carolina Likely Violated “Motor Voter” Law
With the 2016 election less than two weeks away, a federal judge has ordered North Carolina election officials to take actions to protect eligible citizens. Read more
Congressional Democrats Introduce Transformative Automatic Voter Registration Bill
Today, senior congressional lawmakers introduced the Automatic Voter Registration Act of 2016, a transformative bill that would add up to 50 million new voters by automatically registering eligible citizens to vote. Read more
California DMV Takes Important First Steps Toward Improving Voter Registration Services
Although problems persist, voter registration for 2016 elections will be easier for some. Read more
Voting Rights Advocates Ask Court to Immediately Protect the Rights of N.C. Citizens to Vote in the 2016 Election
Yesterday, Project Vote and partners asked a federal judge to issue an interim order to prevent widespread disenfranchisement of North Carolina voters. Read more
Coalition Secures Settlement That Expands Voter Registration Opportunities Across Nevada
Project Vote and partners reach a settlement with the State of Nevada to ensure low-income citizens are provided voter registration services through public assistance agencies. Read more
Groups Threaten to Sue Nevada Over Longstanding Voting Rights Violations
Project Vote and allies threaten a lawsuit if Nevada does not bring motor vehicle offices into compliance with the voter registration requirements of the NVRA. Read more
Coalition of Civic Organizations Sue North Carolina for Failing to Comply with Federal Voting Rights Obligations
Project Vote and partners sue North Carolina over widespread disenfranchisement and a steep decline in voter registration activity . Read more