Voter Purges

Protecting the Voter Rolls

It’s one thing to get citizens onto the voter rolls. But it’s equally important that we make sure eligible voters stay on the rolls.

Under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), states are tasked with maintaining current and accurate voter registration databases. However, the lack of clear and uniform standards for list maintenance has resulted in inconsistent standards from state to state, and poorly developed “voter purge” programs have often led to the mass disenfranchisement of eligible voters. Frequently, such ill-conceived purge programs have had a disproportionate impact on minority populations.

The removal of voters from the rolls needs to be undertaken with the greatest of care, and in complete compliance with the standards established by federal law, including the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), which contains a number of procedural protections to protect eligible voters from wrongful removals.

Project Vote closely monitors, investigates, and where necessary brings suits against illegal and discriminatory voter purge activity.

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Third Circuit Panel Hears Oral Arguments on Voter Purge Case

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A panel of Third Circuit Court of Appeals judges heard oral arguments on a Philadelphia voter purge case. Read more

Project Vote Testifies Against Call for Potentially Illegal Voter Purge

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A “conservative legal watchdog group” has targeted Maryland’s largest county in its latest effort to force election officials to purge... Read more

Project Vote and Demos Call to Stop Unlawful Voter Purge in Philadelphia

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Project Vote and Demos filed and amicus brief to stop an unlawful voter purge in Philadelphia. Read more

The Dangers of Making Assumptions About Voter Rolls

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Last November, 7,500 reinstated Ohio voters who had been wrongfully purged from voter rolls between 2011 and 2014, reportedly turned out to vote. This is a big deal. Read more

Indiana Bill Could Erroneously Purge Legitimate Voters

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Project Vote is urging an Indiana Senator Greg Walker to reconsider legislation that puts registered voters at risk. Read more

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Debunking Ohio’s Rationalization for Discriminating Against Voters Who Miss an Election

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Just because someone hasn't voted recently, that doesn't mean they moved, and it certainly doesn't mean they should be removed from the rolls. Read more

New Project Vote Report Examines Voting Rights Proposals

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Since January, Project Vote has closely monitored 315 bills that could affect the way people vote in 2016 and beyond.... Read more

Highlights of 2014

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Now that 2014 has come to a close, we’re looking back at what an eventful year it was! From our... Read more

What Kind of Year Has It Been for Election Laws?

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WASHINGTON, DC — With Americans heading to the polls in just four weeks, a new report from voting rights group... Read more

Voting Rights Victory in Florida

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Yesterday, in a major victory for Florida voters, the US Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit ruled that Florida’s... Read more