Universal voter registration would modernize voter registration in the U.S. so the government shares responsibility for registration with its citizens to ensure full and accurate voter rolls. Complete registration will significantly reduce duplications and omissions on the voter rolls and help create a system that balances the twin goals of election accessibility and security.
Almost two years after the bill was first introduced, the Pennsylvania State Government Committee voted to approve Rep. Richard Grucela's (D-Northampton County) bill allowing eligible 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections. Since the 2008 presidential primaries, FairVote has been a leading advocate for allowing 17-year-olds who will be 18 by the time of the general election to vote in the corresponding primary. As we testified before the Committee in May 2008, FairVote believes that anyone eligible to vote in a general election should have a say in who is on that general election ballot. The bill will now move to the House Appropriations Committee.
Voter registration originated in the early 19th century as a method of disenfranchisement. Many states were concerned with the growing number of foreign-born transients participating in local government, and so they developed a system of registration to ensure that these non-citizens could not vote... [read more]
Seven Ways to Universal Registration
Youth Voter Pre-Registration
17-year-old Primary Voting
State Voter Registration Agenda
Complete and accurate voter rolls are essential to the integrity of the electoral process and the legitimacy of results. Yet, as evidenced by recent elections, voter rolls are littered with duplicate registrants and errors. Nearly a third of eligible American voters are not registered to vote and voter registration drives result in a surge of registrations close to an election that are difficult to process and that create unanticipated demands on polling places. As a result, millions of eligible voters are effectively shut out of the political process. [read more]
The Canadian Model
Massachusetts Heath Care Model
An International Perspective
The Brennan Center for Justice on Voter Registration Modernization
Roadmap to Reform 2009