Automatic voter registration (AVR) is a policy that modernizes the voter registration process by automatically registering eligible voters through their interactions with state agencies, most commonly when people apply for or renew their driver’s licenses. Automatic voter registration helps ensure that every eligible voter has access to vote and strengthens the security and accuracy of our election systems. Our scoring distinguishes between Secure AVR and Partial AVR. In Secure AVR systems–sometimes referred to as “back-end AVR” – designated agencies such as state DMVs systematically send information from relevant transactions to state election authorities. Once the voter’s eligibility is confirmed, the voter is then automatically registered (or registered in pending status) before being given an opportunity to opt-out at a later time, usually through the mail. Secure AVR systems are more efficient and effective at registering eligible voters, keeping registration records accurate, and registering only U.S. citizens to vote. In Partial AVR systems–sometimes called “front-end AVR” – the voter is given an opportunity to opt-out of being registered at the time of the relevant agency transaction. Partial AVR is an improvement over traditional registration systems but is relatively less efficient than Secure AVR.
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Automatic Voter Registration
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Automatic Voter Registration
This map shows states with automatic voter registration (AVR), a policy that modernizes the voter registration process by automatically registering eligible voters through their interactions with state agencies, most commonly when people apply for or renew their driver’s licenses.
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This report explains how some states have emphasized voter access and expanding opportunities for voters to become registered, while other states have prioritized restrictive measures that undermine the democratic functioning of elections.
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Policy Spotlight: Automatic Voter Registration Best Practices in the States
MAP’s newest policy spotlight, Automatic Voter Registration Best Practices in the States, details state approaches to automatic voter registration (AVR) and examines how differences in implementation of AVR can significantly impact election security and voter turnout. The report is part of MAP’s Democracy Maps project, which tracks more than 40
