Episode 139: Registration on Election Day Still an Option in 21 States

American Democracy Minute

Registration on Election Day Still an Option in 21 States
Today’s Links

Articles & Resources:
The 21 States Which Have Same Day Registration: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Washington, DC, Idaho, Iowa, Illinois, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
U.S. Election Assistance Commission - Links to Registration Information in Every State
National Conference of State Legislatures - Same Day Voter Registration States

Brennan Center - Study Showing No Increase in Fraud With Election Day Registration
Univ. of Massachusetts/Demos - NEW STUDY FINDS THAT STATES WITH SAME DAY VOTER REGISTRATION HAVE HIGHER BLACK AND LATINX TURNOUT
Groups Taking Action:
Common Cause MA, American Academy of Sciences, Student Public Interest Research Groups

You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.

Election Day is upon us, and voter registration in most states is closed. But if you’re lucky enough to live in one of the 21 states which allow Same-Day registration, you still may be able to vote on election day.

Used to help make voter registration more accessible since the 1990s, Same Day registration has been attacked recently as unsecure, despite the facts. New Hampshire, which has used Same Day registration for decades, recently tightened its restrictions with no justification, making same-day registrants use a provisional, rather than a normal, ballot.

Same day registration is used most often by new residents, younger citizens, and eligible voters who are historically underrepresented, such as the Black and LatinX community.

To register on Election Day, you need these documents in most states: A state-issued ID; proof of your citizenship, like a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers; and proof of your residence, such as rental receipts, property tax bills or utility bills showing your name & address. Check your state or local election office website before you go.

In some states, you may need to also sign an affidavit, have your picture taken, and may only be able to use a provisional ballot until your address is verified. But, it may also be your best option to have your voice heard! So use it!

We have links to state Same Day registration information and groups taking action at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org

Granny D said Democracy isn’t something we HAVE it’s something we DO!

For the American Democracy Minute, I’m Brian Beihl.