Brennan Center to City Council: Universal Registration Is the Answer

The New York City Council Committee on Governmental Operations held a hearing this morning about three resolutions: early voting, same-day voter registration and electronic voter registration. Chaired by Councilman Simcha Felder, the hearing also served as oversight of the general election (something that’s missing in, say, other areas of the state).

My testimony (pdf here) focused on a solution to several key election administration issues: universal voter registration. As I wrote: “Automatic voter registration is the most comprehensive means available to ensure all who are eligible may vote and to increase participation in the electoral system. In addition, it shifts the burden of registration from citizens and third-party organizations to the government, removes several barriers and smooths election administration.”

In his testimony, state Board of Elections Co-Chair Douglas A. Kellner echoed my sentiment that universal registration is an ideal solution.

For more information, see the Brennan Center’s Universal Registration Policy Summary.