Expanding Voter Registration
Our country is at its best when everyone has a voice
Why is voter registration so important?
Most Americans are unhappy with our elected officials and their inability to tackle important issues. We’re sick of the corruption and dysfunction in our broken political system.
So why does the United States have one of the lowest voter turnout rates among the world’s democracies?
One of the main reasons: it can be pretty difficult to register to vote in this country.
If we’re serious about expanding voting access, increasing turnout and giving everyone a say in how our government runs, then we need to make registering to vote more accessible and convenient.
How we can expand voter registration
Three ways to make registering to vote modern, efficient and more accessible
Automatic voter registration
Eligible voters are automatically registered when they reach the legal age, or have the option to register to vote when they visit other government offices, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Same-day registration
Allows voters to register in person on the day of the election and vote immediately upon registration.
Online voter registration
Allows voters to register online without going in person or mailing in a form.
We’re improving voter registration in cities and states all across America.
Will you join the movement?
FAQs
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What is the purpose of voter registration?
The purpose of voter registration is to ensure that only eligible voters are able to cast a ballot in an election. By requiring people to register to vote, the government can keep track of who is eligible to vote, prevent fraud, and provide information to voters about where and when to vote.
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Is the “right to vote” in the U.S. Constitution?
The right to vote is not explicitly mentioned in the United States Constitution. However, the Constitution does outline certain qualifications for voting, such as being a citizen and being at least 18 years old. In addition, the Constitution gives states the authority to regulate the voting process and set specific qualifications for voters within their states. As a result, the right to vote has been interpreted as being implied in the Constitution, and this right has been further protected by a number of amendments to the Constitution.
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I’ve heard that voter fraud is a huge problem, including that dead people are voting in elections. Is that true?
Despite claims by self-serving politicians, there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud that would affect the outcome of our elections. Election officials routinely update voter registration files based on death records, and signature verification and voter fraud laws provide additional safeguards.
Our Campaigns to Expand Voter Registration
Minnesota: Democracy for the People Act
Mar 8 2023
Democracy for the People Act
San Francisco, California
Nov 9 2022
In 2022, San Francisco voters passed Prop H which will likely double voter turnout for municipal elections and give voters a greater voice.
Maine
Jul 16 2021
In 2021, Maine voters pushed politicians to establish an online voter registration system, expand the use of ballot drop-boxes, and create a permanent absentee voter list for disabled voters and folks over the age of 65.
MAINE BECOMES LATEST STATE TO IMPROVE VOTING LAWS
Jul 12 2021
As many states restrict voting, Maine makes it safer and more accessible
Pennsylvania
Nov 1 2019
Voters pressured Pennsylvania politicians in 2019 to pass a bill that would enable voting at home, give more time to register to vote, and provide funding for election security and voting machines that produce a paper trail.
Get Involved
If you are interested in making it easier to register to vote,
now is the time to get involved.
