Overview
Voter registration is the first step in the process for eligible voters to exercise their fundamental right. However, state laws governing voter registration differ significantly, with some states automatically registering eligible voters and allowing same-day registration, while others impose restrictions on registration drives and conduct unfair and often flawed voter purges.
Recently, policy proposals requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration have emerged, threatening to disenfranchise millions of otherwise eligible voters. Proof of citizenship requirements for voter registration would upend our election systems and create significant barriers to participation in the democratic process for otherwise eligible voters. These laws require all eligible voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship, such as a passport or original birth certificate, in order to register to vote.
>> Click through the embedded brief below to read more, or download a PDF version here.Additional Resources
To view a static PDF version of this brief, click
here or below.
[PDF] Democracy 101: Understanding State Voting Rights Acts Download Democracy Map: State Level Voting Rights Acts View
To learn more about all of the 50+ voting and election policies we track in real time, visit the
Democracy Maps.
Additional Resources
To view a static PDF version of this brief, click
here or below.
[PDF] Democracy 101: Understanding Proof of Citizenship Laws for Voter Registration Download PDF Democracy Map: Proof of Citizenship Requirements for Registration View
To learn more about all of the 50+ voting and election policies we track in real time, visit the
Democracy Maps.
