Voter Registration

“The League [of Women Voters of FL] is challenging the rules in federal court, but in the meantime, few nonpartisan groups aside from NCLR are registering voters in the state. ... Although the new rules have been in effect less than a year, University of Florida political scientist Daniel Smith says it’s clear they're already having an impact.”

“Gone will be the arbitrary deadline, according to Cheryl Dunson, president of the League of Women Voters of Connecticut. Instead of having to register seven days before the election, the measure approved by state lawmakers allows for same-day registration.”

“The League of Women Voters updated students about the upcoming elections and registered first-time voters in a visit to campus [Pasadena City College, CA] on Tuesday. Volunteers from the organization set up a small booth at the Quad to help interested passersby...”

“Smackdown Your Vote! is a non-partisan effort supported by World Wrestling Entertainment, League of Women Voters, Rock the Vote, Project Vote Smart... Its purpose is to involve young people in the political process.”

“The League of Women Voters and other civic groups have challenged the law in court. And rightfully so. Any law that mocks democracy and makes a problem worse should be scrapped.”

“Maggie Duncan, Elections Program Manager...of the League of Women Voters said, “In 2008, young voters turned out in higher numbers than in the past. However, less than half of all 18 year olds were actually registered to vote during that election, and couldn’t participate.” ... While turning 18 does open a new chapter of one’s life, Duncan and the League of Women Voters want to change the perception that young people may have of voting.”

“In Wisconsin, new laws require licensing for anyone who registers someone else to vote, and the rules for licensing vary in the state's 1,800 municipalities. ... “That could mean a volunteer for a voting drive in a school district would have to take a course and get licensed in a dozen different municipalities in that one school district,” said Jeannette Senecal, director of elections for the League of Women Voters.”

“This week, the League of Women Voters released a map of Monroe County which shows, by census tract, what share of adults are registered to vote. ... League member Barbara Grosh shared the map with seniors at the School of the Arts who are enrolled in Participation in Government classes.”

“Last spring, Florida made some changes to its election law. Cloaked as technical tweaks, the new laws have the potential to swing the 2012 election.”

This NYT editorial points out that “one reason the United States has a low voter-participation rate is that most states are using 19th-century registration methods in the 21st century.”