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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Nearly 30,000 low-income Louisianans apply to register to vote
“These data show that Louisianans want to register and will register to vote when given the opportunity.” Read more
Group: Voter registration grew at assistance sites
Thousands of low-income Louisiana residents have registered to vote because of its pressure on state public assistance agencies to provide the applications. Read more
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Much progress has been made as we mark the 20th anniversary of the NVRA, but there’s still a long way to go. Read more
Federal court finds election law violations in Louisiana
“It’s a great day in Louisiana for voting rights.” Read more
Judge: Agencies violated voter registration law
A federal judge has ruled that Louisiana public assistance agencies have violated a law that requires them to provide applicants with voter registration forms regardless of whether the transaction is done in person or by mail, telephone or online. Read more
Governor Brown Signs Padilla Bill to Expand Voter Registration
The new law will facilitate voter registration and further California's compliance with the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), commonly known as Motor Voter. Read more
Pennsylvania welfare offices begin reporting voter registration
The state has made its first monthly report of voter registrations at welfare offices after settling a lawsuit over its obligation to help clients join the electoral rolls. Read more
Pennsylvania Facing Backlash for Voting Policies
Project Vote is reporting that two groups have filed a lawsuit claiming that Pennsylvania has not complied with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. Read more
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
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