Automatic voter registration

Despite the higher voter turnout this election cycle, there are still some 50 million eligible American citizens who are not registered to vote. The phasing in of a universal voter registration system would help bring these voters into the fold.

Voter registration should be automatic for eligible citizens. That wide and instant rolling in of voters would mean an investment of federal resources but one worth making to assure the maximum participation of voters.

In this election cycle, a number of disconcerting reports surfaced about unfair voter ID restrictions and voters being mistakenly taken off rolls. And in general, state-to-state variations in registration, re-registration upon moving, requirements and deadlines are confusing.

The inconsistencies, administrative flaws and confusion are enough of a reason for reforming the process by which a citizen effectively becomes a voter. But the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University makes a more fundamental point about voter registration: the United States is one of the few industrialized democracies that places the onus for registration on the voter. This burden has its historical roots in the late 19th century, with attempts to restrict unpopular votes, in particular those of blacks and immigrants.

Reforming voter registration should include allowing registration and voting on the same day. Currently, only eight states allow this.

Voter access should also be emphasized. In many nations, people vote on weekends or election day amounts to a holiday to encourage participation.

Senator Hillary Clinton and the Brennan Center are leading the way in pursuing legislation that would ensure that all eligible Americans are registered to vote automatically. We applaud this effort to build on and extend the participation we witnessed in this election, especially from 10 million Latino voters.

Despite the higher voter turnout this election cycle, there are still some 50 million eligible American citizens who are not registered to vote. The phasing in of a universal voter registration system would help bring these voters into the fold.

Voter registration should be automatic for eligible citizens. That wide and instant rolling in of voters would mean an investment of federal resources but one worth making to assure the maximum participation of voters.

In this election cycle, a number of disconcerting reports surfaced about unfair voter ID restrictions and voters being mistakenly taken off rolls. And in general, state-to-state variations in registration, re-registration upon moving, requirements and deadlines are confusing.

The inconsistencies, administrative flaws and confusion are enough of a reason for reforming the process by which a citizen effectively becomes a voter. But the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University makes a more fundamental point about voter registration: the United States is one of the few industrialized democracies that places the onus for registration on the voter. This burden has its historical roots in the late 19th century, with attempts to restrict unpopular votes, in particular those of blacks and immigrants.

Reforming voter registration should include allowing registration and voting on the same day. Currently, only eight states allow this.

Voter access should also be emphasized. In many nations, people vote on weekends or election day amounts to a holiday to encourage participation.

Senator Hillary Clinton and the Brennan Center are leading the way in pursuing legislation that would ensure that all eligible Americans are registered to vote automatically. We applaud this effort to build on and extend the participation we witnessed in this election, especially from 10 million Latino voters.

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