Voter registration
Efforts to expand the right to vote or access to the polls have focused on making voter registration available to more Americans. But controversy has arisen over whether registration opportunities should be expanded or limited, and how vigorously to purge voter rolls of “deadwood”—people who have died or moved out of state.
Although voter registration has been the subject of recent controversy, our democracy did not always require people to register to vote. Today, all states except for North Dakota have some form of voter registration, and some are looking at reform that makes registering to vote easier and more accessible.
Though most laws and regulations relating to elections are handled by the states, a few federal laws guide voter registration nationwide. The most important of these are the 1965 Voting Rights Act (VRA) and the 1993 National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). The VRA prohibits racial discrimination in voter registration; the NVRA requires that states make voter registration widely available and limits what they can do to remove voters from the rolls. In recent years, states have implemented new ways to register, including online voter registration and automatic voter registration.
This explainer was last updated on January 9, 2024.
Though most laws and regulations relating to elections are handled by the states, a few federal laws guide voter registration nationwide. The most important of these are the 1965 Voting Rights Act (VRA) and the 1993 National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). The VRA prohibits racial discrimination in voter registration; the NVRA requires that states make voter registration widely available and limits what they can do to remove voters from the rolls. In recent years, states have implemented new ways to register, including online voter registration and automatic voter registration.
This explainer was last updated on January 9, 2024.
Poll: Cleveland nonvoters care about issues but lack information and trust
By Nick Castele
Published October 27, 2021 at 8:30 PM EDT
Published October 27, 2021 at 8:30 PM EDT
A sign saying "Our Neighborhood Votes" in Cleveland's Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood.
A new poll offers insights into a group of Clevelanders who don’t often get much attention during low-turnout local elections: infrequent voters.
Cleveland’s low-propensity voters care about issues in their communities, but they often don’t know much about the local political process, according to a summary of the poll’s findings. Many also don’t have faith that local elected officials can make a change.
Cleveland’s low-propensity voters care about issues in their communities, but they often don’t know much about the local political process, according to a summary of the poll’s findings. Many also don’t have faith that local elected officials can make a change.
There's a fight to save our democracy. Reject candidates who ignore our demands | Opinion
10/18/2022
by Gregory T. Moore Guest columnist
Gregory T. Moore is author of the new book, “Beyond the Voting Rights Act, the Untold Story of the Struggle to Reform America’s Voter Registration Laws.” He lives in Cleveland.
Gregory T. Moore is author of the new book, “Beyond the Voting Rights Act, the Untold Story of the Struggle to Reform America’s Voter Registration Laws.” He lives in Cleveland.
Over the last two years, since the beginning of the redistricting and reapportionment process, we have watched as Republicans in the state legislature have vehemently undermined both the spirit and the letter of the law under the Ohio Constitution.
Neighborhood Leadership Institute:
Civics: Let's Talk About Redistricting!
NLI hosted another edition of its Civics Workshop Series earlier this month. Titled “CIVICS: Let’s Talk About Redistricting”, it focused on the upcoming election. Featured speakers and guests discussed the election process, redistricting and the individuals looking to lead our community.
If you missed it, check out this video of the workshop.
Please note, you’ll need this passcode to watch the video – J?ze5Lm5
If you missed it, check out this video of the workshop.
Please note, you’ll need this passcode to watch the video – J?ze5Lm5