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.

What We’re Doing


Automatic Voter Registration

Campaign

Automatic Voter Registration

By switching voter registration from an opt-in to an opt-out system, AVR makes our elections more inclusive, as well as more accurate and secure.
Automatic Voter Registration

Automatic Voter Registration

By switching voter registration from an opt-in to an opt-out system, AVR makes our elections more inclusive, as well as more accurate and secure.

Take Action


Petition: Let RI Vote for Same Day Registration!

Petition

Petition: Let RI Vote for Same Day Registration!

Rhode Island’s 30-day voter registration deadline is the longest in the country and is a significant barrier to increased voter participation. Voting shouldn’t be this difficult – it is time that Rhode Island joins the twenty-two other states and the District of Columbia that allow voters to register and cast their ballots on the same day.

Every eligible voter in Rhode Island should be able to participate in our democracy. I am joining a growing coalition of Rhode Islanders calling for the General Assembly to put Same Day...

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