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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
Paperless Voter Registration: Innovations in Three States | JANUARY 2010
Project Vote
This Project Vote study analyzed efforts in South Dakota, Kansas and Delaware to implement paperless voter registration systems.
America Goes to the Polls: A Report on Voter Turnout in the 2008 Election (PDF) | APRIL 2009
Nonprofit Voter Engagement Network
This report explores a range of dimensions of turnout in the 2008 election, including the relationship between early voting and election day registration and individuals going to the polls.
Expanding Democracy: Voter Registration Around the World (PDF) | JUNE 2009
Jennifer S. Rosenberg & Margaret Chen, Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law
This report studies voter registration systems in sixteen countries and in four provinces in Canada, assessing different technologies. From these results the authors propose strategies taken from these countries' experiences that can be applied to voter registration in the United States.
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.
Election Enhancements for Ohio: Legislative Summary (PDF) | AUGUST 2009
Office of the Ohio Secretary of State
The Ohio Secretary of State conducted this legislative analysis of House Bill 260, the election enhancements bill introduced by State Representatives Dan Stewart and Tracy Heard.
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Research Projects
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.
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.
electionline.org
The Pew Center on the States
electionline.org provides daily news updates on election reform issues, as well as deeper analysis of selected topics, including recent reports on voter registration, recount procedures, and the progress in implementing the Help America Vote Act since 2002.
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.
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.
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