NatlVoterRegDay

One challenge with voter ID laws is that they vary by state, so, especially for people who frequently or have recently moved, it can prevent a challenge at the polls if they realize too late they’re unprepared. Lower-income people, those who have just turned 18, returning citizens, and people experiencing homelessness are also less likely to have adequate identification in many states. VoteRiders is a partner of ours that helps individuals across the country learn about and attain the ID they need in order to vote. (www.voteriders.org)

All partners who sign up for National Voter Registration agree, on the sign-up form, to remain nonpartisan in their voter engagement efforts. We also offer trainings, via webinar and written material, to help understand the rules around nonpartisanship. You cannot endorse or oppose a candidate or party. When registering voters, you register them regardless of party affiliation. Additionally, the vast majority of our partners, including 501(c)3s, are legally required to remain nonpartisan. One of my favorite stories is when the College Republicans and College Democrats came together at the Univ. of Penn. to jointly host an event to register people regardless of party. Democracy is for everyone!

Young people are less likely to vote because they have not voted before and have more barriers to overcome when it comes to casting their ballot for the first time. This year, especially, the process will be confusing for new voters and with new people turning 18 every year, it’s something we have to constantly keep in mind. If you want to learn more about young people turnout and their influence in the 2020 election, checkout civicyouth.org: https://circle.tufts.edu/

Voter registration is a helpful tool for election administrators. There is no other governmental entity or office that creates a list that could contain all eligible voters in a state. Election administrators use these lists (called voter rolls) to not only ensure that elections are accurate and fair, but also to communicate with voters via sample ballots, mail ballot applications, and information about elections. Online registration, automatic voter registration, and election day registration are a few ways that the “extra step” is as small and easy to scale as possible.

We also know that voting is a habit. Once someone votes, they are more likely to vote in the following elections. This is partially because they are now familiar with the process, and it’s easier for them to continue voting. The best thing you can do to help people register and vote is support them in getting registered to vote and voting for the first time since the process is new and can be intimidating.