Bill Overview
Title: Register America to Vote Act of 2022
Description: This bill provides for the automatic registration of eligible voters. Specifically, the bill directs each state that has a voter registration requirement for federal elections to automatically register eligible individuals when they turn 18 years of age. The bill also provides for the automatic registration of individuals through state motor vehicle authorities. Individuals must be provided with an opportunity to opt out of automatic voter registration. The Election Assistance Commission must make grants to states to implement these automatic voter registration programs.
Sponsors: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]
Target Audience
Population: People living in the US eligible for voter registration
Estimated Size: 239000000
- This bill concerns voter registration, which is specific to those eligible to vote in federal elections in the United States.
- Typically, the target population would be U.S. citizens who are 18 years or older, living in states with voter registration requirements.
- Automatic voter registration through motor vehicle authorities suggests that people interacting with these services will be affected.
- The global estimate is the number of people worldwide who register to vote, but the bill specifically targets the United States so this population is limited to U.S. citizens.
Reasoning
- This policy primarily impacts younger people turning 18, as well as those interacting with motor vehicle services. However, not every individual will interact with these services regularly or be impacted strongly by the change.
- The budget allows for substantial reach across the target population, but not everyone will be affected the same way. Some may not notice immediate changes to their wellbeing, especially if they already participate in voting processes efficiently.
- The diversity within the U.S. population means that reasons for not being registered are varied. Some may benefit greatly from reduced barriers, while others who are already engaged might see no change.
Simulated Interviews
Student (Austin, Texas)
Age: 19 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the policy is great, especially for people my age who may not think about registering right away.
- It would have been nice not to worry about the registration deadline.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Software Engineer (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I already make sure my registration is up to date, so this policy won't change much for me.
- It's probably more helpful for younger people or those less involved in civic duties.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retired (Detroit, Michigan)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Automatic voter registration is convenient, but I'm more concerned about accessibilities like getting to polling places.
- If it reduces steps, it might help some, though not my main concern.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Barista (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I didn't even know I was registered until I got a card in the mail!
- It's kind of cool not to have to do anything special.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Legal Consultant (New York, New York)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could reduce barriers for people not yet engaged in voting.
- It's a step towards making civic participation easier.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Truck Driver (Birmingham, Alabama)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm registered to vote and don't see much change for me personally.
- I think it could be a good idea to make sure people stay on the rolls.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
College Student (Portland, Oregon)
Age: 18 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy makes voting one less thing to worry about.
- It feels like it supports my involvement in elections.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Teacher (Miami, Florida)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy encourages more of my students to engage with voting once they hit 18!
- The ease of not having to think about registration is nice.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
IT Specialist (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this helps me stay registered even if I move again.
- Convenience is a big factor for me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired Teacher (Houston, Texas)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This doesn't affect me much, I've always taken care of my registration.
- It might be good for forgetful folks or those unfamiliar with the process.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 2: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Year 3: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Year 5: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Year 10: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Year 100: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Key Considerations
- States vary in their existing infrastructure, leading to differences in implementation costs.
- The involvement of state motor vehicle departments necessitates coordination between federal, state, and local agencies.
- Future election security considerations might demand additional funding beyond initial allocations.
- Differences in state opt-out processes might present legal challenges or require further policy refinement.