Government Agency Registration

Congress passed the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) in 1993 to increase the number of citizens registered to vote in Federal elections.

One of the most important ways the NVRA was designed to increase registration was by ensuring that citizens are offered the opportunity to register to vote at places where they interact with the government: at motor vehicle offices and public assistance offices (such as those that provide Food Stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Medicaid).

However, since the implementation of the NVRA in 1995–1996, many states have been neglecting the voter registration provisions of the law. Project Vote works to enforce the NVRA’s requirements, and ensure that all citizens are provided with the voter registration assistance they are guaranteed under the law.

The Government Agency Registration Program assists states, social service agencies, motor vehicle offices, and election officials with implementation of the NVRA’s requirements. In addition to technical assistance, the Program conducts research, documents noncompliance and, when necessary, initiates litigation to enforce the NVRA.

Additionally, the Government Agency Registration Program works to expand voter registration opportunities at other places where eligible citizens interact with their government, such as immigration offices and health benefits providers.

Voter registration drives will always have an essential role to play in our democracy, but the responsibility to register eligible Americans to vote must rest first and foremost on the government.

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Project Vote to Close Its Doors on May 31st

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It is with great sadness—but also tremendous pride in our accomplishments—that Project Vote announces we will be suspending operations indefinitely. Read more

Webinar: NVRA Section 7 Compliance Best Practices

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A webinar presentation explaining best practices for public assistance agencies to comply with Sec. 7 of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). Read more

Texas Court Rules “Motor Voter” Applies to Online Transactions, Too

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A court has ruled that the "Motor Voter" law means people using DMV services online must get the same voter registration services as those going in-person. Read more

Memorandum of Understanding on NVRA Compliance – Nevada DMV

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Project Vote and partners reached an understanding with Nevada officials to streamline and modernize voter registration opportunities through the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Read more

Memorandum of Understanding on NVRA Compliance – Nevada Secretary of State

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Project Vote and partners reached an understanding with Nevada officials to streamline and modernize voter registration opportunities through the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Read more

Voting Rights Advocates Announce Agreement with State of Nevada to Modernize Voter Registration Opportunities

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Voting rights advocates and Nevada officials announced today that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in order to streamline and modernize voter registration opportunities through the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Read more

Civil Rights Groups Threaten to Sue New York Over Voting Rights Violations

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Asian-American and Latino civil rights groups are among those threatening to sue New York state over allegations that its Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) failed to send voter registration applications it received to local election boards. Read more

Debunking Voter Fraud–An Interview with Michael Slater

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Brad Friedman of the Brad Blog interviews Project Vote president Michael Slater about Trump's voter fraud allegations, and how they signal a massive attack on voting rights. Read more

Debunking Trump’s Voter Fraud Lies is Not Enough; We Must Also Prepare for What Comes Next

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The Trump administration's lies about illegal voting signal a massive attack on voting rights. Read more

New Report Explains How “Motor Voter” is Leaving Voters Who Move Behind

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When you update your address at the DMV, they should also update your voter registration. But a new report explains how—in too many states—that just isn't happening. Read more