Section 7 of the National Voter Registration Act
Though most people know the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) as the “motor voter” law, fewer people know that it also mandates that voter registration be offered at other government agencies besides DMVs. State agencies offering SNAP (food stamps), TANF, Medicaid, and other government benefits are also legally required to assist their clients in registering to vote under the NVRA.
Congress included this provision, Section 7, exactly to reach the citizens who are less likely to register through other means: low-income people, minorities, the elderly, and the disabled.
However, too many states have been ignoring this part of the NVRA, meaning that millions of our most vulnerable citizens are missing out on the change to make their voices heard. That’s why Project Vote and our partners are working to fix that. We investigate compliance. We document violations of the NVRA. And, where we find problems, we work—through advocacy, assistance, and litigation—to ensure that states are following the law and doing right by their citizens.
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Two groups file voter registration suit against Pennsylvania
Two activist organizations today announced that they have sued three state agencies, saying they have failed to do their duty to offer voter registration forms to public assistance applicants. Read more
Black Political Empowerment Project v. Aichele (Pennsylvania)
In July 2012, Project Vote and its partners filed a Complaint against officials in Pennsylvania alleging that that the state had systematically failed to comply with Section 7 of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). Read more
Black Political Empowerment Project v. Aichele: Complaint
Lawsuit filed on behalf of Black Political Empowerment Project and ACTION United, charging the state of Pennsylvania has failed to provide voter registration services to public assistance clients as required by the National Voter Registration Act. Read more
National Voting Rights Organizations Begin Litigation to Enforce National Voter Registration Act in Pennsylvania
Today the Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP) and ACTION United filed suit alleging that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has systematically failed to comply with the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). Read more
Statement in Support of California SB 35 to the State Senate
Project Vote submitted testimony to the California State Senate in support of SB 35 (2012), a bill that clarifies obligations of state agencies under Section 7 of the National Voter Registration Act. Read more
Alabama Departments Fail To Provide Voter Registration Materials When Required By Law
According to national voting rights and civil rights groups, Alabama agencies are failing to follow a federal law requiring that state offices provide voter registration materials to residents who seek government assistance. Read more
Group says Ark. voter registration access lacking
A Washington, D.C.-based group says Arkansas has denied low-income residents the opportunity to register to vote, and Secretary of State Mark Martin's office says he is looking into the claim. Read more
Voting Rights Organization Accuses Arkansas of Neglecting Proper Services
"It is clear that Arkansas has been violating the NVRA for years and neglecting tens of thousands of low-income residents as a result." Read more
Arkansas Failing to Offer Voter Registration to Low-Income Residents
Citing clear evidence that low-income Arkansas residents have been denied the opportunity to register to vote, attorneys from voting rights groups Project Vote and Demos sent a pre-litigation notice letter regarding the state’s non-compliance with the federal requirements of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA). Read more
Notice Letter to Alabama on NVRA Violations
Pre-litigation notice Letter to the Alabama Secretary of State concerning compliance with Section 7 of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). Read more