Section 7 of the National Voter Registration Act
Though most people know the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) as the “motor voter” law, fewer people know that it also mandates that voter registration be offered at other government agencies besides DMVs. State agencies offering SNAP (food stamps), TANF, Medicaid, and other government benefits are also legally required to assist their clients in registering to vote under the NVRA.
Congress included this provision, Section 7, exactly to reach the citizens who are less likely to register through other means: low-income people, minorities, the elderly, and the disabled.
However, too many states have been ignoring this part of the NVRA, meaning that millions of our most vulnerable citizens are missing out on the change to make their voices heard. That’s why Project Vote and our partners are working to fix that. We investigate compliance. We document violations of the NVRA. And, where we find problems, we work—through advocacy, assistance, and litigation—to ensure that states are following the law and doing right by their citizens.
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Arkansas Neglecting Low-Income Voters, in Violation of Federal Law
Today voting rights groups sent an official notice letter to Secretary of State Mark Martin, informing him that Arkansas public assistance agencies are failing to comply with the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). Read more
Arizona Once Again Failing to Offer Required Voter Registration
Secretary of State Bennett and State Agencies on notice for violations of federal law. Read more
California Agrees to Comply with Voter Registration Law Under Settlement
In a victory for voting rights, California has agreed to mail voter registration cards to nearly 4 million Californians who signed up for health insurance through the state health exchange, and to ensure that the exchange provides voter registration opportunities going forward. Read more
Voting Rights Groups Applaud District Court’s Decision In Public Assistance Voter Registration Case
On Friday, the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued a series of rulings in Delgado v. Galvin… Read more
Alabama Agrees to Procedures to Ensure Voter Registration Opportunities at Public Assistance Agencies
Settlement agreements intend to address deficiencies in Alabama's provision of voter registration services and guarantee compliance with Section 7 of the NVRA. Read more
New Jersey Failing to Offer Voter Registration to Low-Income Residents
A notification letter sent today calls on New Jersey to take corrective action necessary to comply with the NVRA or face possible litigation. Read more
Nearly 400,000 Low-Income Ohioans Apply to Register to Vote
A dramatic increase in voter registration applications from public assistance agencies is the result of a successful lawsuit brought by voting rights groups to bring the state into compliance with the NVRA. Read more
Nearly 53,000 Low-Income Indianans Apply to Register to Vote
A dramatic increase in voter registration applications from public assistance agencies is the result of a successful lawsuit brought by voting rights groups to bring the state into compliance with the NVRA. Read more
Nearly 18,000 Low-Income Georgians Apply to Register to Vote
A dramatic increase in voter registration applications from public assistance agencies is the result of a successful lawsuit brought by voting rights groups to bring the state into compliance with the NVRA. Read more
Nearly 30,000 Low-Income Louisianans Apply to Register to Vote
A dramatic increase in voter registration applications from public assistance agencies is the result of a successful lawsuit brought by voting rights groups to bring the state into compliance with the NVRA. Read more