You asked which states allow for Election Day registration. You also wanted to know arguments for and against this practice.

North Dakota abandoned registration entirely in 1951. Currently six states, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Wyoming allow eligible individuals who are not registered voters to register and vote on Election Day by presenting valid identification at their polling place. Valid identification includes a driver’s license or state picture identification card or other documentation approved by state election officials.

Connecticut currently allows individuals to register to vote at any town or city hall or by mail at any time up to 14 days before an election. Mail-in cards are available at town halls, libraries, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and other state agencies. The card is also available on the secretary of the state’s website: www. sots. state. ct. us. A person is eligible to register to vote if he or she is a U. S. citizen, is 18 years old at the time of the election (17 year olds may register at any time, but cannot vote until they turn 18), and is a resident of Connecticut.

Proponents of Election Day registration argue that it will likely increase voter participation. In a preliminary analysis of the 2004 Presidential Election, Dēmos, a national nonpartisan reform group,

found that states that allow voters to register to vote on Election Day led the country in voter participation. According to Dēmos, electors in Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin voted at higher rates than any other state.

They also argue that most of the electorate does not focus on campaigns until the final weeks before voting and after the voter registration deadline has passed. The ability to register to vote on Election Day would increase voter participation and enfranchise more individuals who are qualified to vote, including younger people who are more transient. Because most voters must re-register every time they move, proponents said the measure is one of the most important for college students, who typically move every nine months.

Opponents of Election Day Registration argue that it would attract voter fraud and allow non-citizens to vote illegally. Specifically, they argue that the pre-Election Day deadline gives election officials an opportunity to verify that individuals are registered at only one address in the state. Allowing people to register on Election Day eliminates a safeguard against multiple votes.

Secondly, they argue that voting mistakes would more likely occur if Election Day registration were allowed because citizens would be registering as they were voting.

Thirdly, opponents argue that registering to vote is already simple and convenient. An individual may register to vote at many locations, including any motor vehicle offices and libraries. Additionally, registration forms may be printed from the Internet and mailed to or dropped off town halls.

Lastly, opponents argue that Election Day registration could be expensive for local governments to implement. Municipalities may have to provide additional staff and the necessary training to register additional people.

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