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

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.
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.
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

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.

Learn more

Maine

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.

Learn more

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.

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Nevada

Nov 6 2018

This 2018 voter-approved initiative will automatically register eligible citizens to vote when they receive or update their driver’s license or identification card, and automatically update their registration if they change their address, unless they choose to decline.

Learn more