Securing automatic voter registration policies in more states
Across the country, millions of eligible voters remain unregistered or are registered under dated information, like an old apartment address. Automatic voter registration offers a modern, technological solution to this issue. These policies allow states to automatically register eligible voters or update their information when they apply for services—like obtaining a driver’s license or enrolling in Medicaid—at various government agencies. Responsive Gov considers this a “win-win” policy because it simultaneously makes the voting process more accessible, efficient and secure for both voters and election administrators.
Aligning local and national elections on the same dates
Responsive Gov encourages states to align local elections—like those for mayor, city council, school boards and municipal initiatives—with national elections in the fall. Why? In states that have already adopted this system, these policies have had an immediate positive impact. By decreasing the number of times voters need to head to the polls each year, voter turnout increases, helping more Americans have their voices heard – all while saving costs on elections.
Equipping local election officials and administrators with the resources they need
Election administrators play an integral role in our voting process but are often overlooked and underfunded. Investing in these offices ensures that Americans’ ballots can be counted smoothly and efficiently. One way Responsive Gov does this is through its work through the Election Infrastructure Initiative, a nonpartisan push to get federal and state dollars to local election administrators, especially in rural, underfunded districts. They work alongside several of our other grantees to blend their expertise and secure funding for this impactful program.
Another way they equip local election officials is through in-person convenings. The last one, held in June 2024, brought together experts in local election administration from across the country. Spaces like this provide opportunities for networking within the profession and knowledge sharing around election security.
Accessible information is key to voters’ trust in election systems. That’s why Responsive Gov also trains election officials to work efficiently and transparently with the media.
Creating tools that make complex policies understandable and digestible for everyone
With a complex patchwork of states with varying election administration policies, it can be hard for people to understand what ballot access is like in their state and how their local policies may differ from neighboring states. This information is key to improving election systems further. To equip people with the facts, Responsive Gov created Election Policy Progress Reports detailing each state’s progress in making their election laws beneficial for voters and administrators over the past two years.
To learn more about the Institute for Responsive Government and its work to create a user-friendly government, visit its website at: responsivegov.org