Voter Registration: Overview of Federal Involvement and Policy Considerations (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised Oct. 21, 2024 |
| Report Number |
IN12035 |
| Report Type |
Insight |
| Authors |
Sarah J. Eckman |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
Voter registration policies are largely determined by state and local governments, subject to certain federal
requirements, many of which are found in the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA) and the
Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA). For most Americans, registering to vote is a prerequisite for
voting in federal elections (North Dakota, however, does not require voter registration). In addition to
determining whether or not to require voter registration, states can vary on a number of elements related
to the registration process, including when or where registration occurs; certain qualifications for
registration; and how voters may be removed from the registration list. States or localities may also have
different policies affecting voter registration for state or local elections.
