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.
Most Recent / Relevant Items
- (203)
- (18)
- (10)
- (17)
- (45)
- (53)
- (63)
Advanced Filters and Sorting
Philly Barbers Aim to Boost Voter Turnout
Through the Sharp Insight program, up to 50 barbers across Philadelphia will receive paid training to distribute basic information around elections and voting. Read more
The EAC is Back on Track and Project Vote Lends a Hand
Project Vote's Sarah Brannon explains how the EAC is back on track to fulfill its purpose of improving the process of elections in America. Read more
Voting Rights Advocates Settle Matter Alleging NVRA Violations in Oklahoma
Oklahoma Agrees To Bring Public Assistance Agencies into Compliance with the Law July 30, 2015 NEW YORK, WASHINGTON and OKLAHOMA... Read more
Voting Rights Advocates Settle Long-Running Voter Registration Suit
MassHealth, EOHHS, and SOC Agree To Remedy NVRA Compliance Problems Read more
Voting Rights Advocates Settle Long-Running Voter Registration Suit
Voting rights advocates and Massachusetts officials announced today that settlements have been reached in a three-year old federal lawsuit regarding the requirement to provide voter registration opportunities to low-income citizens who receive public assistance benefits. Read more
Texas Fails to Help Citizens Register to Vote Under Law
Today, a pre-litigation notice letter was sent to the Texas Secretary of State on behalf of a number of Texas citizens. Read more
Voter Registrations Drop Sharply at N.C. Public Assistance Agencies
According to a notice letter sent today, voter registration applications initiated at public assistance agencies have dropped dramatically since Gov. Pat McCrory took office. Read more
Notice Letter to North Carolina on NVRA Section 7 Violations
Pre-litigation notice Letter to the North Carolina State Board of Elections concerning compliance with Section 7 of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). Read more
Suit threatened over NC voting access; DHHS, Elections Board say they’ll investigate
Four national and state voting-rights organizations are threatening to sue North Carolina for what they contend are Gov. Pat McCrory administration’s violations of a federal law that requires the state to help poor people register to vote. Read more
Advocates say NC is failing to register public benefit recipients as voters
"The right to vote is fundamental. North Carolina should be doing everything in its power to provide low-income individuals the opportunity to register," said Catherine M. Flanagan, senior counsel for Project Vote. Read more