NVRA CVR flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

NVRA enactment year

The National Voter Registration Act was enacted in 1993 and became effective on January 1, 1995. It is also known as the Motor Voter Act.

NVRA three registration routes

The NVRA created three routes to register: agency-based registration under Section 5, mail registration under Section 6, and DMV registration under Section 7.

NVRA scope of elections

The NVRA applies to federal elections. States may choose to apply its procedures to state and local elections but are not required to do so.

NVRA Section 12 private right

Section 12 allows private parties to sue states for NVRA violations. Plaintiffs must give 90 days' notice to the state and Attorney General before filing.

Section 5 covered offices

Offices providing public assistance under Titles IV and XIX of the Social Security Act, plus state-funded disability programs and offices serving people with disabilities, must offer registration.

Section 5 mandatory services

Covered agencies must distribute registration forms, assist applicants in completing them, and accept completed forms. They may not coerce or discourage registration.

Section 5 declination record

When an applicant declines to register, the agency must record the declination and keep it confidential. The record may be used only for voter registration purposes.

Section 5 benefit neutrality

Agency staff may not lead applicants to believe that registering to vote or declining will affect their eligibility for benefits or the amount of benefits.

Section 6 mail registration

States must accept the National Mail Voter Registration Form for federal elections if it contains all required information and is signed by the applicant.

Mail registration ID rule

First-time mail registrants who have not previously voted in a federal election in the jurisdiction must provide ID or a qualifying document when registering by mail.

Mail registration deadline

States must set a uniform mail registration deadline no more than 30 days before a federal election. Applications must be processed in a timely, nondiscriminatory manner.

Mail rejection notice

If a mail registration is rejected, the state must notify the applicant of the reason and give an opportunity to correct the application before the deadline.

Section 7 DMV requirement

Every DMV office that issues driver's licenses must offer voter registration to applicants for licenses, permits, and ID cards at the same time.

DMV declination option

DMV applicants must be given the option to decline voter registration. The declination must be recorded and kept confidential.

DMV transmission deadline

DMV offices must transmit completed registration applications to election officials within a set period, typically 10 days, or 5 days near an election.

DMV address updates

When a registrant changes address or name with DMV, Section 7 requires DMV to update the voter registration record accordingly.

Section 8 removal grounds

States may remove voters for death, felony conviction, mental incapacity, or change of residence, but only through a general program meeting NVRA requirements.

Section 8 quiet period

No systematic voter removal programs may be conducted within 90 days before a federal election. This protects eligible voters from last-minute purges.

Confirmation notice

A forwardable mail notice with a postage-prepaid return card sent to a registrant whose address may have changed. The registrant must confirm or correct the address.

Two-election removal rule

A registrant may be removed for change of residence only after failing to respond to a confirmation notice and not voting in two consecutive federal general elections.

Section 9 EAC role

The Election Assistance Commission develops and maintains the National Mail Voter Registration Form and provides guidance and technical assistance to states on NVRA compliance.

Section 10 enforcement

The Attorney General enforces the NVRA through civil actions in federal court. The Attorney General may also intervene in private suits.

Section 11 biennial report

States must report biennially to the EAC on registration statistics and list maintenance activities. The EAC compiles the reports and reports to Congress.

Section 12 notice period

Before filing a private NVRA suit, plaintiffs must give 90 days' notice to the state and the Attorney General, unless the violation is imminent or likely to recur.

Federal form acceptance

States must accept the federal mail registration form for federal elections. States may add their own requirements but may not reject the federal form for lacking them.

Registration eligibility attestation

Applicants must attest under penalty of perjury that they are U.S. citizens, will be 18 by the next election, and meet state eligibility requirements.

Rejection cure opportunity

When a registration application is rejected, the state must notify the applicant of the reason and allow correction before the registration deadline.

Same-day registration

Some states allow voters to register and vote on the same day. The NVRA does not require same-day registration; it is a state option.

Confidential voter data

Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and full dates of birth in voter registration records must be kept confidential and not disclosed to the public.

HAVA statewide database

The Help America Vote Act requires each state to maintain a statewide voter registration database that is accurate, secure, and accessible to election officials.

Section 203 language access

Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act requires certain jurisdictions to provide bilingual voting materials and assistance based on census data.

Section 208 voter assistance

Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act allows a voter who needs help to bring a person of their choice to assist, except their employer or union representative.