New York State Board of Elections

Compliance with the National Voter Registration Act

Under the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, the states are required to make it easier for eligible citizens to register to vote in federal elections. In particular, the states are required to register voters through the mail, at motor vehicle offices, and at offices providing public assistance and services to disabled persons. In New York, the State Board of Elections coordinates the voter registration efforts of 15 State agencies. We examined whether certain of these agencies complied with the National Voter Registration Act and identified instances in which the Department of Labor, the Division of Veterans’ Affairs, and the Workers’ Compensation Board were not in full compliance. For example, two Department of Labor sites lacked evidence that all customers were given the opportunity to register to vote. We also recommended various improvements that could facilitate the voter registration process.

For a complete copy of Report 2001-S-24 click here.