The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Nov. 4, 2024
Today’s Script
(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)
You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.
Nineteen states and the District of Columbia allow citizens to register to vote on election day. But that doesn’t mean that election-day registration is convenient, simple, or that your vote will count in all cases.
The National Conference of State Legislatures notes that states with election-day registration have an average 5% higher voter participation, including younger voters and voters of color. Which is why since 2020 some partisan state legislatures have put in more restrictions on same day registration, disingenuously claiming QUOTE, “election integrity.” There is no evidence of widespread abuse of election day registration.
While it’s more challenging than it used to be, election day registration is still better than not voting at all. These states allow election day registration: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia. Alaska and Rhode Island allow it to vote for President and Vice President.
Restrictions may include use of a provisional ballot if the voter’s eligibility can’t be established on election day – which may not count if the voter doesn’t return with proof in a specified time. For voters registering on election day, best practice is to bring your birth certificate or passport, driver’s license, and proof of where you live, such as apartment rental documents, bank statements, tax documents or utility bills.
Links to information on election-day registration and voting requirements can be found at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
National Conference of State Legislatures – Same-Day Voter Registration
Rock the Vote – Same Day Voter Registration & Requirements
Ballotpedia – Voter Registration Deadlines
Univ. of Massachusetts Amherst – New Study Finds That States with Same Day Voter Registration Have Higher Black and Latinx Turnout
Montana Free Press – Montana Supreme Court says no to Election Day voter registration
Center for Public Integrity – It’s already too late for thousands of would-be voters: Why that matters
Groups Taking Action:
Common Cause US, League of Women Voters US, Native American Rights Fund
Check Your Voter Registration:
- U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
- USA Vote Foundation – Registration, Eligibility, State Election Office Links
- Vote.Gov – Register to Vote in Your State
- Vote.Org – Check Your Registration to Vote
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#Democracy #DemocracyNews #VoterRegistration #SameDayRegistration #ElectionDayRegistration