Good Move for Voting Rights

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you'd like to vote in an upcoming election, but when you try and register you find out the registration deadline has passed?

There are eight states where this doesn't happen - these states allow eligible citizens to register right at the polls on Election Day. (called Election Day Registration or EDR)

These states have some of the highest rates of voter participation, including among young voters. In 2004, turnout in EDR states was 74%, compared to 60% in non-EDR states.

Wouldn't it be nice if all states were like this?

Later this week, Senators Russ Feingold (WI) and Amy Klobuchar (MN) and Congressman Keith Ellison (MN) are introducing the Election Day Registration Act, a bill that would make EDR a reality in all states.

From Senator Feingold's press release on the bill:

“The right to vote is at the heart of our democracy, and we should constantly be looking for ways to make it easier for Americans to exercise that right,” Feingold said. “Election Day registration has worked well in Wisconsin for more than 30 years and is a major reason why Wisconsin is a national leader in voter turnout. By allowing people to register in person on Election Day, we can bring more people into the process, which only strengthens our democracy."

Following the Supreme Court's shameful decision to uphold Indiana's strictest-in-the-nation voter ID law, this is good news for voting rights. We'll keep an eye on it as it progresses.

For more information on EDR and to find out what the rules are in your state, check out Demos, Progressive States Network, or info from electionline.org