Today, Project Vote, Demos, and the Lawyers’ Committee of Civil Rights Under Law put Alabama on notice for violating the state’s federally mandated responsibility to offer tens of thousands of low-income citizens the opportunity to register to vote. The groups sent the notice letter to Alabama Secretary of State Beth Chapman on behalf of the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP.
“According to U.S. Election Assistance Commission data, the number of voter registration applications submitted at Alabama public assistance offices decreased by more than 75% from its peak in 1995-1995 to the most recent reporting period of 2009-2010,” the groups stated in today’s press release. “This drop in voter registrations is particularly significant given that the number of initial food stamp applications in Alabama during the same time frame increased by 60%.”
The groups urged Secretary Beth Champman to immediately bring Alabama into full compliance with the National Voter Registration Act or face litigation. The groups stated that they are ready to work with state officials to help bring Alabama into compliance with the federal law.
“When done properly, public agency registration is one of the most effective means of ensuring that all citizens are offered the opportunity to participate in their government,” says Sarah Brannon, director of the Public Agency Voter Registration Program for Project Vote in the press release. “It reaches people who are less likely to register to vote through other means, including low-income residents, minorities, the elderly, and the disabled.” READ MORE.