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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Webinar: NVRA Section 7 Compliance Best Practices
A webinar presentation explaining best practices for public assistance agencies to comply with Sec. 7 of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). Read more
Changes of Address and the National Voter Registration Act
Under the NVRA, when you change your address at the DMV, it's supposed to update your voter registration as well. Too many states are failing to comply with this law. This new report summarizes the scope of the problem, and offers solutions. Read more
Information for NC Voters Who Attempted to Register at DMVs
Information on the provisional ballot process for North Carolina voters who attempted to register through the DMV but find they are not on the voter rolls. Read more
Report: Automatic Voter Registration: Two NVRA-Compliant Models
A new, comprehensive report explains two models for how states can implement automatic voter registration while remaining compliant with the voter registration requirements of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). Read more
Automatic Voter Registration: Best Practices
A comprehensive proposal for incorporating automatic voter registration (AVR) within the existing requirements of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). Read more
Letter to NC State Board of Elections on DMV Compliance
Notice letter to Kim Strach, Executive Director of North Carolina State Board of Elections, concerning NVRA violations by motor vehicle departments. Read more
Voter Registration at Naturalization Ceremonies: A FAQ
This document provides background information on voter registration and naturalization ceremonies, and about the process of requesting approval to be one of the non-governmental organizations that offers voter registration services at these ceremonies. Read more
Section 7 of the National Voter Registration Act: A Toolkit for Public Agencies
Based on Project Vote’s exhaustive experience, this toolkit is a compilation of best practices for providing voter registration services required by Section 7 of the National Voter Registration Act. Read more
Video: Public Assistance Lawsuit in Georgia
A video highlighting the successful lawsuit Project Vote and our partners brought to enforce the NVRA public assistance requirements in Georgia. Read more
Letter to Motor Vehicles Division of New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Dept.
Letter to New Mexico's MVD concerning their obligations under the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). Read more