Expanding Voter Registration in Cities and Counties: A Toolkit for Local Policymakers

Data shows that most Americans who are registered to vote cast a ballot on Election Day. Cities and counties can address the problem of declining voter engagement, exacerbated by barriers to voter registration, through increasing registration in their jurisdictions with city and county agency-based voter registration. With this reform, designated local agencies offer eligible residents the opportunity to register to vote when applying for other services—for example, through agencies that provide human and social services, affordable housing, and health programs, among others. This report outlines resources for reform, and provides a model ordinance and key talking points for local agency voter registration.