Search

Menu

Close

Modernizing Voter Registration

Registering to vote is the first step in making our voices heard in our democracy. Common Cause is advocating for modernization of the registration process nationwide so that more eligible voters can get on the rolls.

Every eligible American should be able to register to vote in a convenient and secure way that is beneficial to new voters and administrators alike. Key voter registration improvements can ensure our systems are secure and efficient, safeguard our votes, and even save states money. These upgrades include:

  • Automatic Voter Registration (AVR): Automatically registering eligible voters through the DMV and other government agencies unless they opt out.
  • Election Day/Same Day Registration (SDR/EDR): Allowing eligible voters to register and vote on Election Day and during early voting periods.
  • Online Voter Registration (OVR): Letting eligible voters to register to vote or update their information via secure government websites, and
  • Pre-Registration for High School Students: Giving eligible 16- and 17-year olds the ability to pre-register to vote, so that their registration is automatically activated when they turn 18.

Take Action

Sign the Petition: Enact Automatic Voter Registration nationwide

Petition

Sign the Petition: Enact Automatic Voter Registration nationwide

Automatic Voter Registration (AVR) would help ensure that every eligible American has a voice in our democracy, save states money, and make voting rolls more accurate and secure. That’s why AVR should be enacted in each and every state to modernize our outdated voter registration system.

Common Cause

Your financial support helps us make an impact by holding power accountable and strengthening democracy.

Donate

Updates

See all Related Articles

Related Resources

See all Related Resources

Report

Highlights and Accomplishments From 2021

Report

The Colorado Voting Experience: A Model That Encourages Full Participation

Common Cause and the National Vote At Home Institute recommend that all states adopt reforms including same-day voter registration and early voting so that voters have sufficient and secure options to cast a ballot on or before Election Day.

Report

Democracy On The Ballot

The people-led movement to strengthen our democracy continues as voters across the country vote on ballot measures dealing wwith money in politics, voting rights, redistricting, and ethics.

Guide

Protecting The Vote In 2016

A review of 11 swing states

Press

Yahoo! News/Texas Tribune: Most 18-year-old Texans aren’t signed up to vote despite a law requiring voter registration in high schools

News Clip

Yahoo! News/Texas Tribune: Most 18-year-old Texans aren’t signed up to vote despite a law requiring voter registration in high schools

Katya Ehresman, voting rights program manager at Common Cause Texas, noted that some states reward schools that register students. Tennessee acknowledges schools that reach a certain voter registration threshold, and Pennsylvania has a governor’s civic engagement award to celebrate schools that register 85% of eligible students to vote, for example.

Common Cause also recommends that the secretary of state’s office mail each school voter registration applications, instead of requiring schools to request them twice a year.

Common Cause Hire Bolsters Voting & Democracy Program for 2024 Election

Press Release

Common Cause Hire Bolsters Voting & Democracy Program for 2024 Election

With the 2024 primaries underway and the general election fast approaching, Common Cause is pleased to announce Jay Young as its Senior Director of Voting & Democracy. In the newly-created position, he will oversee the organization’s legislative, operational, and legal strategies to advance reforms that allow all Americans to participate in elections and to oppose efforts to restrict voting rights.

Providence Journal: Should Rhode Islanders be able to vote on the same day they register? What both sides say

News Clip

Providence Journal: Should Rhode Islanders be able to vote on the same day they register? What both sides say

Of the 22 states that have some version of same-day registration, John Marion, executive director of Common Cause RI, says: "Some have no residency deadline, others have lengthy deadlines. All have residency requirements." The maximum allowed under legal precedent is 30 days."

This year's version of the legislation has not yet been introduced, but Marion confirms his group's intent: If the repeal wins voter approval in November, "we would then advocate for an enabling statute that would allow for same-day voter registration."

Close

    • Close

    Hello! It looks like you're joining us from {state}.

    Want to see what's happening in your state?

    Go to Common Cause {state}