Bill Overview
Title: Same Day Registration Act
Description: This bill requires states with a voter registration requirement to make same-day voter registration available at the polling place on any day voting is permitted.
Sponsors: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]
Target Audience
Population: Eligible voters in nations that adopt same-day voter registration
Estimated Size: 168000000
- The bill concerns electoral processes, which inherently impacts voters and potential voters.
- The bill requires states to implement same-day voter registration at polling places just before they vote.
- This will particularly benefit eligible voters who have moved or changed their voter registration status close to an election date.
- The possibility for same-day registration could see an increase in voter turnout, potentially affecting demographics with historically lower voting participation.
- Given that this is a U.S. bill, it only impacts the eligible voting population within the United States.
Reasoning
- The Same Day Registration Act will potentially increase voter participation by making it easier for eligible but unregistered voters to cast their vote.
- This policy is likely to be highly beneficial to younger voters, those who frequently move, and those who face barriers to traditional registration.
- Individuals who are already registered may not be directly impacted by this act, meaning its impact will vary widely based on voter registration status and mobility.
- Budget considerations will influence the states' ability to equip polling places with the technology and staff necessary to handle same-day registrations efficiently.
- The act may not significantly impact those in stable living situations who are already registered and regularly vote.
- The population considered includes all eligible voters, with a target on those unregistered but eligible, and those with logistical barriers to voting.
Simulated Interviews
software developer (Austin, TX)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This would make it much easier for me to participate as I often forget to update my registration each time I move.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
teacher (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it would be great for those who are not yet registered, though I personally won't benefit since I'm already registered.
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 |
small business owner (New York City, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is convenient; otherwise, I'd have missed voting this year.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
retired (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a nice-to-have for others, but it won't change my voting habits.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
graduate student (Columbus, OH)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Same-day registration will definitely help people like me who miss the deadlines but want to vote.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
farmer (Rural Kansas)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I probably still won't participate, but I see why others would.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
nurse (Chicago, IL)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- With my hectic job, it’s hard to keep track of registration deadlines; this would ensure my voice is heard.
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 |
barista (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think same-day registration will get more young people like me to come out and vote.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
retired (Miami, FL)
Age: 70 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 19/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't need it personally, but it's a step forward in getting more people involved in voting.
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 |
freelance artist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 48 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This would really help since I often have to skip elections due to registration logistics.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $180000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $220000000)
Year 2: $170000000 (Low: $140000000, High: $210000000)
Year 3: $160000000 (Low: $130000000, High: $200000000)
Year 5: $150000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $190000000)
Year 10: $140000000 (Low: $110000000, High: $180000000)
Year 100: $600000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $800000000)
Key Considerations
- The implementation challenges in states with larger populations or less developed electoral infrastructure.
- Potential short-term administrative hiccups during the transition to this new system.
- The necessity of developing public awareness campaigns to inform voters about the new registration option.