New Hampshire
- Existing photo ID made less restrictive.
New Mexico:
- Automation of voter registration at the DMV office
Oklahoma:
- Existing photo ID law made less restrictive
Virginia:
- Online voter registration
West Virginia:
- Online voter registration
Summary of Pending Legislation to Expand Access to Voting
- Identification Laws. At least 10 states [8] have introduced bills that would relax existing voter ID or proof of citizenship laws.
- Modernizing Voter Registration. At least 25 states [9] have introduced bills that would modernize the voter registration system, in whole or in part, and make it easier for eligible citizens to register.
- Broad-based modernization. At least four states [10] have introduced wide-ranging legislation to modernize the voter registration process using a combination of technology and fail-safe protections. Colorado’s bill recently passed both houses and is awaiting the Governor’s signature. Both houses of Congress introduced comprehensive bills to modernize voter registration.
- Automation. At least six states [11] have introduced legislation that would introduce or expand automation of the voter registration process at government agencies.
- Online registration. At least 13 states [12] have introduced bills that would establish or enhance the use of online registration systems.
- Same day registration. At least 18 states [13] have introduced bills that would allow voters to register on the same day they vote. Same day registration (SDR) bills can vary in that some allow same day registration on Election Day only (EDR), some allow it during an early voting period only, and some may allow both options.
- Portability. At least four states [14] have introduced bills that would allow a voter’s registration to move with her when she moves to a new address in the state.
- More early voting opportunities. At least 20 states [15] have introduced bills that would newly introduce, or expand, opportunities for early in person voting. While New Jersey passed a bill to introduce early voting in the state, Governor Christie vetoed it on May 9, 2013.
- Restoring voting rights. At least 14 states [16] have introduced bills that would expand opportunities for those with criminal convictions to regain their right to vote.
- Pre-registering students to vote. At least 13 states [17] have introduced bills that would allow students under the age of 18 to pre-register, so that upon turning 18 they are registered to vote.
- Reducing long lines. At least four states [18] have introduced bills that aim to reduce waiting times by requiring, or assessing, the implementation of minimum standards for efficient polling place administration.
[2] Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming.
[5] Arizona, Indiana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin. As of August 6, 2013, a bill is still active in Wisconsin.
[8] Alabama, Indiana, Kansas, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas.
[9] Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia. As of August 6, 2013, bills remain active in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.
[12] Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia.
[13] Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia.
[14] Florida, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon. As of August 6, 2013, a bill remains active in Massachusetts.
[15] Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia. As of August 6, 2013, bills remain active in Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and South Carolina.
[16] California, Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Tennessee, Virginia, Wyoming. As of August 6, 2013, a bill remains active in California.
Reprinted with permission of the Brennan Center for Justice
Editor's Note: The US Government Accoountability Office (GAO) released information about Challenges to Voting Accessibility, by Barbara Bovbjerg, managing director, education, workforce, and income security, before the National Council on Disability. http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-13-538SP
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