Today marks the 25th anniversary of the National Voter Registration Act. The NVRA, also known as the “Motor Voter Law,” created a requirement for states to offer voter registration at public agencies, such as the DMV. In celebration, DNC Vice Chair of Civic Engagement and Voter Participation Karen Carter Peterson released the following statement:

 

“Today not only provides a much-needed opportunity to reflect on the significance of the National Voter Registration Act, but also gives us a chance to focus on how we can keep fighting for our sacred right to vote. The law was great step forward in advancing voting rights, but our Party understands that there’s still plenty of work to be done. 

 

“By far, the best way for Democrats to honor the law’s legacy is to ensure that even more Americans can rightfully participate in our democratic process. I’ll certainly be doing my part by pushing for more states to fulfill their duties under the NVRA by implementing Automatic Voter Registration. This is a common-sense way to increase access to the ballot box by automatically registering residents to vote when they update their information at state agencies like the DMV and then transferring that data to the Department of Elections. And as a state senator who knows a thing or two about balancing budgets, I can say without a doubt that these forward-looking changes can happen all while lowering costs.

 

“The massive potential to transform how Americans vote means that AVR is a cause worth fighting for. I’ll be doing my part to ensure that every African-American, Latino, woman, disabled, and young voter has the voice heard come election day. And if you feel as strongly as I do, let your state legislator know that you want the NVRA properly implemented where you live.”