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Discount Voting: Voter Registration Reforms and their Effects
In this new book, Michael Hanmer argues that to understand how these institutional arrangements affect outcomes, it is necessary to consider the interactions between social and political context and these laws. He tests this theory by examining how the factors that influence the adoption of a set of registration laws affect turnout, the composition of the electorate, and party strategies. His multi-method research design demonstrates that the effect of registration laws is not as profound as either reformers would hope or previous studies suggest, especially when reform is a response to federal legislation. He concludes by arguing for a shift in the approach to increasing turnout.

Learn how to purchase this book here.
Featured Resources
Approval of Georgia's VoteSafe Program | DECEMBER 2009
Karen Handel, Georgia Secretary of State
Under the Voting Rights Act, any state-level change to voter registration rules must be approved by the U.S. Department of Justice. Georgia’s proposed VoteSafe program, designed to keep private the addresses of victims of domestic violence, was approved by the Department of Justice.
The National Voter Registration Act at Fifteen (PDF) | JULY 2009
Estelle H. Rogers, Esq., Project Vote
Focusing on the four major provisions of the National Voter Registration Act, Project Vote’s report reviews implementation of voter registration programs at the state level.
I will Register, if You Teach Me How: Results from Voter Registration Field Experiments on College Campuses (PDF) | APRIL 2009
Elizabeth A. Bennion (Indiana University-South Bend) & David W. Nickerson (University of Notre Dame)
Studies on college campuses demonstrate that face-to-face interactions, rather than direct mail or e-mail contact prove to be the more effective method of registration for voters, especially those who are most likely not to vote.
Ohio Senate Bill 8 | DECEMBER 2009
Ohio State Senate
The Ohio State Senate approved legislation to reform various aspects of the elections process. Among the measures are enhancements to early voting rules, adoption of a matching system between voter registration files and driver’s license data, and compliance with the recently passed MOVE Act.
When Voters Move (PDF) | JUNE 2009
Myrna Perez, Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law
This report reviews individual state guidelines regarding registration when voters move, and finds that they are inconsistently applied, confusing to both voters and officials, and that current federal and state law protections are overly limiting.
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Research Projects
Dēmos
Dēmos is a non-partisan public policy research and advocacy organization founded in 2000. A multi-issue national organization, Dēmoscombines research, policy development, and advocacy to influence public debates and catalyze change.
Project Vote
Project Vote is a national nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) that works to empower, educate, and mobilize low-income, minority, youth, and other marginalized and under-represented voters.
Election Law @ Moritz
Election Law @ Moritz, run through Moritz College of Law at the Ohio State University, contains both explanation and commentary on a wealth of election reform issues from a legal perspective.
Center for Democracy & Election Management
Center for Democracy & Election Management was established at the School of Public Affairs at American University in 2002. Their broader goal is to pave the way for and strengthen democracy through improved electoral performance.
Brennan Center for Justice
NYU School of Law
The Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law is a non-partisan public policy and law institute that focuses on fundamental issues of democracy and justice.
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