Legislation
Modernizing Voter Registration
Registering to vote is the first step in making our voices heard in our democracy. Common Cause is advocating for modernization of the registration process nationwide so that more eligible voters can get on the rolls.
Every eligible American should be able to register to vote in a convenient and secure way that is beneficial to new voters and administrators alike. Key voter registration improvements can ensure our systems are secure and efficient, safeguard our votes, and even save states money. These upgrades include:
- Automatic Voter Registration (AVR): Automatically registering eligible voters through the DMV and other government agencies unless they opt out.
- Election Day/Same Day Registration (SDR/EDR): Allowing eligible voters to register and vote on Election Day and during early voting periods.
- Online Voter Registration (OVR): Letting eligible voters to register to vote or update their information via secure government websites, and
- Pre-Registration for High School Students: Giving eligible 16- and 17-year olds the ability to pre-register to vote, so that their registration is automatically activated when they turn 18.
What We’re Doing
Take Action
Petition
Sign the Petition: Enact Automatic Voter Registration nationwide
Automatic Voter Registration (AVR) would help ensure that every eligible American has a voice in our democracy, save states money, and make voting rolls more accurate and secure. That’s why AVR should be enacted in each and every state to modernize our outdated voter registration system.
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Updates
Article
5 Things To Know: What To Expect On Election Day
Blog Post
7 Things To Know About the Connecticut Voting Rights Act
Blog Post
Voting Rights Experts Sound the Alarm on Moore v. Harper
Related Resources
Report
Highlights and Accomplishments From 2021
Report
The Colorado Voting Experience: A Model That Encourages Full Participation
Report
Democracy On The Ballot
Guide
Protecting The Vote In 2016
Press
News Clip
Yahoo! News/Texas Tribune: Most 18-year-old Texans aren’t signed up to vote despite a law requiring voter registration in high schools
Common Cause also recommends that the secretary of state’s office mail each school voter registration applications, instead of requiring schools to request them twice a year.
Press Release
Common Cause Hire Bolsters Voting & Democracy Program for 2024 Election
News Clip
Providence Journal: Should Rhode Islanders be able to vote on the same day they register? What both sides say
This year's version of the legislation has not yet been introduced, but Marion confirms his group's intent: If the repeal wins voter approval in November, "we would then advocate for an enabling statute that would allow for same-day voter registration."
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