TITLE 42 - THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE

CHAPTER 20 - ELECTIVE FRANCHISE

SUBCHAPTER I-H - NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION

Sec. 1973gg FINDINGS AND PURPOSES

(a) Findings

The Congress finds that -

(1) the right of citizens of the United States to vote is a fundamental right;

(2) it is the duty of the Federal, State, and local governments to promote the 

exercise of that right; and

(3) discriminatory and unfair registration laws and procedures can have a direct 

and damaging effect on voter participation in elections for Federal office and 

disproportionately harm voter participation by various groups, including racial 

minorities.

(b) Purposes

The purposes of this subchapter are -

(1) to establish procedures that will increase the number of eligible citizens who 

register to vote in elections for Federal office;

(2) to make it possible for Federal, State, and local governments to implement this 

subchapter in a manner that enhances the participation of eligible citizens as 

voters in elections for Federal office;

(3) to protect the integrity of the electoral process; and

(4) to ensure that accurate and current voter registration rolls are maintained.

REFERENCES IN TEXT

This subchapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 103-31, May 20, 

1993, 107 Stat. 77, as amended, which is classified principally to this subchapter. For complete 

classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1971 of this title and Tables.

EFFECTIVE DATE

Section 13 of Pub. L. 103-31 provided that: "This Act (see Short Title note) set out under section 1971 of 

this title shall take effect -
"(1) with respect to a State that on the date of enactment of this Act [May 20, 1993] has a 

provision in the constitution of the State that would preclude compliance with this Act unless the 

State maintained separate Federal and State official lists of eligible voters, on the later of -

"(A) January 1, 1996; or

"(B) the date that is 120 days after the date by which, under the constitution of the State 

as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act, it would be legally possible to adopt and 

place into effect any amendments to the constitution of the State that are necessary to 

permit such compliance with this Act without requiring a special election; and

"(2) with respect to any State not described in paragraph (1), on January 1, 1995."

SHORT TITLE

This subchapter is known as the "National Voter Registration Act of 1993", see Short Title note set out 

under section 1971 of this title.

PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP

Pub. L. 104-132, title IX, Sec. 902, Apr. 24, 1996, 110 Stat. 1317, provided that: "Notwithstanding any 

other provision of law, a Federal, State, or local government agency may not use a voter registration card 

(or other related document) that evidences registration for an election for Federal office, as evidence to 

prove United States citizenship." Similar provisions were contained in section 117 of H.R. 2076, One 

Hundred Fourth Congress, as passed by the House of Representatives on Dec. 6, 1995, and as enacted into 

law by Pub. L. 104-91, title I, Sec. 101(a), Jan. 6, 1996, 110 Stat. 11, as amended by Pub. L. 104-99, title 

II, Sec. 211, Jan. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 37.

Sec. 1973gg-1 DEFINITIONS

As used in this subchapter -

(1) the term "election" has the meaning stated in section 431(1) of title 2;

(2) the term "Federal office" has the meaning stated in section 431(3) of title 2;

(3) the term "motor vehicle driver's license" includes any personal identification 

document issued by a State motor vehicle authority;

(4) the term "State" means a State of the United States and the District of Columbia; and

(5) the term "voter registration agency" means an office designated under section 

1973gg-5(a)(1) of this title to perform voter registration activities.

Sec. 1973gg-2. NATIONAL PROCEDURES FOR VOTER REGISTRATION FOR ELECTIONS FOR 

FEDERAL OFFICE

(a) In general

Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, notwithstanding any other Federal or 

State law, in addition to any other method of voter registration provided for under State 
law, each State shall establish procedures to register to vote in elections for Federal office 

-

(1) by application made simultaneously with an application for a motor vehicle 

driver's license pursuant to section 1973gg-3 of this title;

(2) by mail application pursuant to section 1973gg-4 of this title; and

(3) by application in person -

(A) at the appropriate registration site designated with respect to the 

residence of the applicant in accordance with State law; and

(B) at a Federal, State, or nongovernmental office designated under 

section 1973gg-5 of this title.

(b) Nonapplicability to certain States

This subchapter does not apply to a State described in either or both of the following 

paragraphs:

(1) A State in which, under law that is in effect continuously on and after August 

1, 1994, there is no voter registration requirement for any voter in the State with 

respect to an election for Federal office.

(2) A State in which, under law that is in effect continuously on and after August 

1, 1994, or that was enacted on or prior to August 1, 1994, and by its terms is to 

come into effect upon the enactment of this subchapter, so long as that law 

remains in effect, all voters in the State may register to vote at the polling place at 

the time of voting in a general election for Federal office.

REFERENCES IN TEXT

Upon the enactment of this subchapter, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), means the date of enactment of Pub. L. 

103-31, which was approved May 20, 1993.

CODIFICATION

Amendment by Pub. L. 104-91 is based on section 116(a) of H.R. 2076, One Hundred Fourth Congress, as 

passed by the House of Representatives on Dec. 6, 1995, which was enacted into law by Pub. L. 104-91.

AMENDMENTS

1996 - Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104-91, as amended by Pub. L. 104-99, substituted "August 1, 1994" for "March 

11, 1993" wherever appearing.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1996 AMENDMENT

Section 116(b) of H.R. 2076, One Hundred Fourth Congress, as passed by the House of Representatives on 

Dec. 6, 1995, and as enacted into law by Pub. L. 104-91, title I, Sec. 101(a), Jan. 6, 1996, 110 Stat. 11, as 
amended by Pub. L. 104-99, title II, Sec. 211, Jan. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 37, provided that: "The amendments 

made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in the provisions of the 

National Voter Registration Act of 1993 [Pub. L. 103-31]."

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS--This section is referred to in sections 15482, 15483 of 

this title; title 20 section 1094.

Sec. 1973gg-3 SIMULTANEOUS APPLICATION FOR VOTER REGISTRATION AND APPLICATION 

FOR MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVER'S LICENSE

(a) In general

(1) Each State motor vehicle driver's license application (including any renewal 

application) submitted to the appropriate State motor vehicle authority under State 

law shall serve as an application for voter registration with respect to elections for 

Federal office unless the applicant fails to sign the voter registration application.

(2) An application for voter registration submitted under paragraph (1) shall be 

considered as updating any previous voter registration by the applicant.

(b) Limitation on use of information

No information relating to the failure of an applicant for a State motor vehicle driver's 

license to sign a voter registration application may be used for any purpose other than 

voter registration.

(c) Forms and procedures

(1) Each State shall include a voter registration application form for elections for 

Federal office as part of an application for a State motor vehicle driver's license.

(2) The voter registration application portion of an application for a State motor 

vehicle driver's license -

(A) may not require any information that duplicates information required 

in the driver's license portion of the form (other than a second signature or 

other information necessary under subparagraph (C));

(B) may require only the minimum amount of information necessary to -

(i) prevent duplicate voter registrations; and

(ii) enable State election officials to assess the eligibility of the 

applicant and to administer voter registration and other parts of the 

election process;

(C) shall include a statement that -
(i) states each eligibility requirement (including citizenship);

(ii) contains an attestation that the applicant meets each such 

requirement; and

(iii) requires the signature of the applicant, under penalty of 

perjury;

(D) shall include, in print that is identical to that used in the attestation 

portion of the application -

(i) the information required in section 1973gg-6(a)(5)(A) and (B) 

of this title;

(ii) a statement that, if an applicant declines to register to vote, the 

fact that the applicant has declined to register will remain 

confidential and will be used only for voter registration purposes; 

and

(iii) a statement that if an applicant does register to vote, the office 

at which the applicant submits a voter registration application will 

remain confidential and will be used only for voter registration 

purposes; and

(E) shall be made available (as submitted by the applicant, or in machine 

readable or other format) to the appropriate State election official as 

provided by State law.

(d) Change of address

Any change of address form submitted in accordance with State law for purposes of a 

State motor vehicle driver's license shall serve as notification of change of address for 

voter registration with respect to elections for Federal office for the registrant involved 

unless the registrant states on the form that the change of address is not for voter 

registration purposes.

(e) Transmittal deadline

(1) Subject to paragraph (2), a completed voter registration portion of an 

application for a State motor vehicle driver's license accepted at a State motor 

vehicle authority shall be transmitted to the appropriate State election official not 

later than 10 days after the date of acceptance.

(2) If a registration application is accepted within 5 days before the last day for 

registration to vote in an election, the application shall be transmitted to the 
appropriate State election official not later than 5 days after the date of 

acceptance.

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS--This section is referred to in sections 1973gg-2, 

1973gg-6 of this title.

Sec. 1973gg-4 MAIL REGISTRATION

(a) Form

(1) Each State shall accept and use the mail voter registration application form 

prescribed by the Federal Election Commission pursuant to section 1973gg7(a)(2) of this title for the registration of voters in elections for Federal office.

(2) In addition to accepting and using the form described in paragraph (1), a State 

may develop and use a mail voter registration form that meets all of the criteria 

stated in section 1973gg-7(b) of this title for the registration of voters in elections 

for Federal office.

(3) A form described in paragraph (1) or (2) shall be accepted and used for 

notification of a registrant's change of address.

(b) Availability of forms

The chief State election official of a State shall make the forms described in subsection 

(a) of this section available for distribution through governmental and private entities, 

with particular emphasis on making them available for organized voter registration 

programs.

(c) First-time voters

(1) Subject to paragraph (2), a State may by law require a person to vote in person 

if -

(A) the person was registered to vote in a jurisdiction by mail; and

(B) the person has not previously voted in that jurisdiction.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply in the case of a person -

(A) who is entitled to vote by absentee ballot under the Uniformed and 

Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act [42 U.S.C. 1973ff et seq.];

(B) who is provided the right to vote otherwise than in person under 

section 1973ee-1(b)(2)(B)(ii) of this title; or
(C) who is entitled to vote otherwise than in person under any other 

Federal law.

(d) Undelivered notices

If a notice of the disposition of a mail voter registration application under section 

1973gg-6(a)(2) of this title is sent by nonforwardable mail and is returned undelivered,

the registrar may proceed in accordance with section 1973gg-6(d) of this title.

REFERENCES IN TEXT

The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(A), is Pub. L. 99-

410, Aug. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 924, as amended, which is classified principally to subchapter I-G (Sec. 

1973ff et seq.) of this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1986 

Amendment note set out under section 1971 of this title and Tables.

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS--This section is referred to in sections 1973gg-2, 

1973gg-6 of this title.

Sec. 1973gg-5 VOTER REGISTRATION AGENCIES

(a) Designation

(1) Each State shall designate agencies for the registration of voters in elections 

for Federal office.

(2) Each State shall designate as voter registration agencies -

(A) all offices in the State that provide public assistance; and

(B) all offices in the State that provide State-funded programs primarily 

engaged in providing services to persons with disabilities.

(3)(A) In addition to voter registration agencies designated under paragraph (2), 

each State shall designate other offices within the State as voter registration 

agencies.

(B) Voter registration agencies designated under subparagraph (A) may 

include -

(i) State or local government offices such as public libraries, public 

schools, offices of city and county clerks (including marriage 

license bureaus), fishing and hunting license bureaus, government 

revenue offices, unemployment compensation offices, and offices 

not described in paragraph (2)(B) that provide services to persons 

with disabilities; and
(ii) Federal and nongovernmental offices, with the agreement of 

such offices.

(4)(A) At each voter registration agency, the following services shall be made 

available:

(i) Distribution of mail voter registration application forms in 

accordance with paragraph (6).

(ii) Assistance to applicants in completing voter registration 

application forms, unless the applicant refuses such assistance.

(iii) Acceptance of completed voter registration application forms 

for transmittal to the appropriate State election official.

(B) If a voter registration agency designated under paragraph (2)(B) 

provides services to a person with a disability at the person's home, the 

agency shall provide the services described in subparagraph (A) at the 

person's home.

(5) A person who provides service described in paragraph (4) shall not -

(A) seek to influence an applicant's political preference or party 

registration;

(B) display any such political preference or party allegiance;

(C) make any statement to an applicant or take any action the purpose or 

effect of which is to discourage the applicant from registering to vote; or

(D) make any statement to an applicant or take any action the purpose or 

effect of which is to lead the applicant to believe that a decision to register 

or not to register has any bearing on the availability of services or benefits.

(6) A voter registration agency that is an office that provides service or assistance 

in addition to conducting voter registration shall -

(A) distribute with each application for such service or assistance, and 

with each recertification, renewal, or change of address form relating to 

such service or assistance -

(i) the mail voter registration application form described in section 

1973gg-7(a)(2) of this title, including a statement that -

(I) specifies each eligibility requirement (including 

citizenship);
(II) contains an attestation that the applicant meets each 

such requirement; and

(III) requires the signature of the applicant, under penalty 

of perjury; or

(ii) the office's own form if it is equivalent to the form described in 

section 1973gg-7(a)(2) of this title, unless the applicant, in writing, 

declines to register to vote;

(B) provide a form that includes -

(i) the question, "If you are not registered to vote where you live 

now, would you like to apply to register to vote here today?";

(ii) if the agency provides public assistance, the statement, 

"Applying to register or declining to register to vote will not affect 

the amount of assistance that you will be provided by this 

agency.";

(iii) boxes for the applicant to check to indicate whether the 

applicant would like to register or declines to register to vote 

(failure to check either box being deemed to constitute a 

declination to register for purposes of subparagraph (C)), together 

with the statement (in close proximity to the boxes and in 

prominent type), "IF YOU DO NOT CHECK EITHER BOX, 

YOU WILL BE CONSIDERED TO HAVE DECIDED NOT TO 

REGISTER TO VOTE AT THIS TIME.";

(iv) the statement, "If you would like help in filling out the voter 

registration application form, we will help you. The decision 

whether to seek or accept help is yours. You may fill out the 

application form in private."; and

(v) the statement, "If you believe that someone has interfered with 

your right to register or to decline to register to vote, your right to 

privacy in deciding whether to register or in applying to register to 

vote, or your right to choose your own political party or other 

political preference, you may file a complaint with _ _ _ _ _.", the 

blank being filled by the name, address, and telephone number of 

the appropriate official to whom such a complaint should be 

addressed; and

(C) provide to each applicant who does not decline to register to vote the 

same degree of assistance with regard to the completion of the registration 
application form as is provided by the office with regard to the completion 

of its own forms, unless the applicant refuses such assistance.

(7) No information relating to a declination to register to vote in connection with 

an application made at an office described in paragraph (6) may be used for any 

purpose other than voter registration.

(b) Federal Government and private sector cooperation

All departments, agencies, and other entities of the executive branch of the Federal 

Government shall, to the greatest extent practicable, cooperate with the States in carrying 

out subsection (a) of this section, and all nongovernmental entities are encouraged to do 

so.

(c) Armed Forces recruitment offices

(1) Each State and the Secretary of Defense shall jointly develop and implement 

procedures for persons to apply to register to vote at recruitment offices of the 

Armed Forces of the United States.

(2) A recruitment office of the Armed Forces of the United States shall be 

considered to be a voter registration agency designated under subsection (a)(2) of 

this section for all purposes of this subchapter.

(d) Transmittal deadline

(1) Subject to paragraph (2), a completed registration application accepted at a 

voter registration agency shall be transmitted to the appropriate State election 

official not later than 10 days after the date of acceptance.

(2) If a registration application is accepted within 5 days before the last day for 

registration to vote in an election, the application shall be transmitted to the 

appropriate State election official not later than 5 days after the date of 

acceptance.

EX. ORD. NO. 12926. IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION ACT OF 1993

Ex. Ord. No. 12926, Sept. 12, 1994, 59 F.R. 47227, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, 

including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, and in order to ensure, as required by section 7(b) of 

the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 1973gg) (42 U.S.C. 1973gg-5(b)) ("the Act"), that 

departments, agencies, and other entities of the executive branch of the Federal Government cooperate 

with the States in carrying out the Act's requirements, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Assistance to States. To the greatest extent practicable, departments, agencies, and other entities 

of the executive branch of the Federal Government that provide, in whole or in part, funding, grants, or 

assistance for, or with respect to the administration of, any program of public assistance or services to 

persons with disabilities within the meaning of section 7(a) of the Act shall:
(a) provide, to State agencies administering any such program, guidance for the implementation 

of the requirements of section 7 of the Act, including guidance for use and distribution of voter 

registration forms in connection with applications for service;

(b) assist each such State agency administering any such program with the costs of 

implementation of the Act (42 U.S.C. 1973gg et seq.), consistent with legal authority and the 

availability of funds, and promptly indicate to each State agency the extent to which such 

assistance will be made available; and

(c) designate an office or staff to be available to provide technical assistance to such State 

agencies.

Sec. 2. Armed Forces Recruitment Offices.

The Secretary of Defense is directed to work with the appropriate State elections authorities in each State 

to develop procedures for persons to apply to register to vote at Armed Forces recruitment offices as 

required by section 7(c) of the Act.

Sec. 3. Acceptance of Designation. To the greatest extent practicable, departments, agencies, or other 

entities of the executive branch of the Federal Government, if requested to be designated as a voter 

registration agency pursuant to section 7(a)(3)(B)(ii) of the Act, shall: (a) agree to such a designation if 

agreement is consistent with the department's, agency's, or entity's legal authority and availability of funds; 

and (b) ensure that all of its offices that are located in a particular State will have available to the public at 

least one of the national voter registration forms that are required under the Act to be available in that 

State.

William J. Clinton.

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in sections 1973gg-1, 1973gg-2, 1973gg-6 of this title.

Sec. 1973gg-6 REQUIREMENTS WITH RESPECT TO ADMINISTRATION OF VOTER REGISTRATION

(a) In general

In the administration of voter registration for elections for Federal office, each State shall 

-

(1) ensure that any eligible applicant is registered to vote in an election -

(A) in the case of registration with a motor vehicle application under 

section 1973gg-3 of this title, if the valid voter registration form of the 

applicant is submitted to the appropriate State motor vehicle authority not 

later than the lesser of 30 days, or the period provided by State law, before 

the date of the election;

(B) in the case of registration by mail under section 1973gg-4 of this title, 

if the valid voter registration form of the applicant is postmarked not later 

than the lesser of 30 days, or the period provided by State law, before the 

date of the election;
(C) in the case of registration at a voter registration agency, if the valid 

voter registration form of the applicant is accepted at the voter registration 

agency not later than the lesser of 30 days, or the period provided by State 

law, before the date of the election; and

(D) in any other case, if the valid voter registration form of the applicant is 

received by the appropriate State election official not later than the lesser

of 30 days, or the period provided by State law, before the date of the 

election;

(2) require the appropriate State election official to send notice to each applicant 

of the disposition of the application;

(3) provide that the name of a registrant may not be removed from the official list 

of eligible voters except -

(A) at the request of the registrant;

(B) as provided by State law, by reason of criminal conviction or mental 

incapacity; or

(C) as provided under paragraph (4);

(4) conduct a general program that makes a reasonable effort to remove the names 

of ineligible voters from the official lists of eligible voters by reason of -

(A) the death of the registrant; or

(B) a change in the residence of the registrant, in accordance with 

subsections (b), (c), and (d) of this section;

(5) inform applicants under sections 1973gg-3, 1973gg-4, and 1973gg-5 of this 

title of -

(A) voter eligibility requirements; and

(B) penalties provided by law for submission of a false voter registration 

application; and

(6) ensure that the identity of the voter registration agency through which any 

particular voter is registered is not disclosed to the public.

(b) Confirmation of voter registration
Any State program or activity to protect the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring 

the maintenance of an accurate and current voter registration roll for elections for Federal 

office -

(1) shall be uniform, nondiscriminatory, and in compliance with the Voting 

Rights Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 1973 et seq.); and

(2) shall not result in the removal of the name of any person from the official list 

of voters registered to vote in an election for Federal office by reason of the 

person's failure to vote, except that nothing in this paragraph may be construed to 

prohibit a State from using the procedures described in subsections (c) and (d) of 

this section to remove an individual from the official list of eligible voters if the 

individual - (A) has not either notified the applicable registrar (in person or in 

writing) or responded during the period described in subparagraph (B) to the 

notice sent by the applicable registrar; and then (B) has not voted or appeared to 

vote in 2 or more consecutive general elections for Federal office.

(c) Voter removal programs

(1) A State may meet the requirement of subsection (a)(4) of this section by 

establishing a program under which -

(A) change-of-address information supplied by the Postal Service through 

its licensees is used to identify registrants whose addresses may have 

changed; and

(B) if it appears from information provided by the Postal Service that -

(i) a registrant has moved to a different residence address in the 

same registrar's jurisdiction in which the registrant is currently 

registered, the registrar changes the registration records to show 

the new address and sends the registrant a notice of the change by 

forwardable mail and a postage prepaid pre-addressed return form 

by which the registrant may verify or correct the address 

information; or

(ii) the registrant has moved to a different residence address not in 

the same registrar's jurisdiction, the registrar uses the notice 

procedure described in subsection (d)(2) of this section to confirm 

the change of address.

(2)(A) A State shall complete, not later than 90 days prior to the date of a primary 

or general election for Federal office, any program the purpose of which is to 

systematically remove the names of ineligible voters from the official lists of 

eligible voters.
(B) Subparagraph (A) shall not be construed to preclude -

(i) the removal of names from official lists of voters on a basis 

described in paragraph (3)(A) or (B) or (4)(A) of subsection (a) of 

this section; or

(ii) correction of registration records pursuant to this subchapter.

(d) Removal of names from voting rolls

(1) A State shall not remove the name of a registrant from the official list of 

eligible voters in elections for Federal office on the ground that the registrant has 

changed residence unless the registrant -

(A) confirms in writing that the registrant has changed residence to a place 

outside the registrar's jurisdiction in which the registrant is registered; or

(B)(i) has failed to respond to a notice described in paragraph (2); and

(ii) has not voted or appeared to vote (and, if necessary, correct the 

registrar's record of the registrant's address) in an election during 

the period beginning on the date of the notice and ending on the 

day after the date of the second general election for Federal office 

that occurs after the date of the notice.

(2) A notice is described in this paragraph if it is a postage prepaid and preaddressed return card, sent by forwardable mail, on which the registrant may state 

his or her current address, together with a notice to the following effect:

(A) If the registrant did not change his or her residence, or changed 

residence but remained in the registrar's jurisdiction, the registrant should 

return the card not later than the time provided for mail registration under 

subsection (a)(1)(B) of this section. If the card is not returned, affirmation 

or confirmation of the registrant's address may be required before the 

registrant is permitted to vote in a Federal election during the period 

beginning on the date of the notice and ending on the day after the date of 

the second general election for Federal office that occurs after the date of 

the notice, and if the registrant does not vote in an election during that 

period the registrant's name will be removed from the list of eligible 

voters.

(B) If the registrant has changed residence to a place outside the registrar's 

jurisdiction in which the registrant is registered, information concerning 

how the registrant can continue to be eligible to vote.
(3) A voting registrar shall correct an official list of eligible voters in elections for 

Federal office in accordance with change of residence information obtained in 

conformance with this subsection.

(e) Procedure for voting following failure to return card

(1) A registrant who has moved from an address in the area covered by a polling 

place to an address in the same area shall, notwithstanding failure to notify the 

registrar of the change of address prior to the date of an election, be permitted to 

vote at that polling place upon oral or written affirmation by the registrant of the 

change of address before an election official at that polling place.

(2)(A) A registrant who has moved from an address in the area covered by one 

polling place to an address in an area covered by a second polling place within the 

same registrar's jurisdiction and the same congressional district and who has 

failed to notify the registrar of the change of address prior to the date of an 

election, at the option of the registrant -

(i) shall be permitted to correct the voting records and vote at the

registrant's former polling place, upon oral or written affirmation 

by the registrant of the new address before an election official at 

that polling place; or

(ii)(I) shall be permitted to correct the voting records and vote at a 

central location within the same registrar's jurisdiction designated 

by the registrar where a list of eligible voters is maintained, upon 

written affirmation by the registrant of the new address on a 

standard form provided by the registrar at the central location; or

(II) shall be permitted to correct the voting records for 

purposes of voting in future elections at the appropriate 

polling place for the current address and, if permitted by 

State law, shall be permitted to vote in the present election, 

upon confirmation by the registrant of the new address by 

such means as are required by law.

(B) If State law permits the registrant to vote in the current election upon 

oral or written affirmation by the registrant of the new address at a polling 

place described in subparagraph (A)(i) or (A)(ii)(II), voting at the other 

locations described in subparagraph (A) need not be provided as options.

(3) If the registration records indicate that a registrant has moved from an address 

in the area covered by a polling place, the registrant shall, upon oral or written 

affirmation by the registrant before an election official at that polling place that 

the registrant continues to reside at the address previously made known to the 

registrar, be permitted to vote at that polling place.
(f) Change of voting address within a jurisdiction

In the case of a change of address, for voting purposes, of a registrant to another address 

within the same registrar's jurisdiction, the registrar shall correct the voting registration 

list accordingly, and the registrant's name may not be removed from the official list of 

eligible voters by reason of such a change of address except as provided in subsection (d) 

of this section.

(g) Conviction in Federal court

(1) On the conviction of a person of a felony in a district court of the United 

States, the United States attorney shall give written notice of the conviction to the 

chief State election official designated under section 1973gg-8 of this title of the 

State of the person's residence.

(2) A notice given pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include -

(A) the name of the offender;

(B) the offender's age and residence address;

(C) the date of entry of the judgment;

(D) a description of the offenses of which the offender was convicted; and

(E) the sentence imposed by the court.

(3) On request of the chief State election official of a State or other State official 

with responsibility for determining the effect that a conviction may have on an 

offender's qualification to vote, the United States attorney shall provide such 

additional information as the United States attorney may have concerning the 

offender and the offense of which the offender was convicted.

(4) If a conviction of which notice was given pursuant to paragraph (1) is 

overturned, the United States attorney shall give the official to whom the notice 

was given written notice of the vacation of the judgment.

(5) The chief State election official shall notify the voter registration officials of 

the local jurisdiction in which an offender resides of the information received 

under this subsection.

(h) Omitted

(i) Public disclosure of voter registration activities
(1) Each State shall maintain for at least 2 years and shall make available for 

public inspection and, where available, photocopying at a reasonable cost, all 

records concerning the implementation of programs and activities conducted for 

the purpose of ensuring the accuracy and currency of official lists of eligible 

voters, except to the extent that such records relate to a declination to register to 

vote or to the identity of a voter registration agency through which any particular 

voter is registered.

(2) The records maintained pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include lists of the 

names and addresses of all persons to whom notices described in subsection (d)(2) 

of this section are sent, and information concerning whether or not each such 

person has responded to the notice as of the date that inspection of the records is 

made.

(j) "Registrar's jurisdiction" defined

For the purposes of this section, the term "registrar's jurisdiction" means -

(1) an incorporated city, town, borough, or other form of municipality;

(2) if voter registration is maintained by a county, parish, or other unit of 

government that governs a larger geographic area than a municipality, the 

geographic area governed by that unit of government; or

(3) if voter registration is maintained on a consolidated basis for more than one 

municipality or other unit of government by an office that performs all of the 

functions of a voting registrar, the geographic area of the consolidated 

municipalities or other geographic units.

REFERENCES IN TEXT

The Voting Rights Act of 1965, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), is Pub. L. 89-110, Aug. 6, 1965, 79 Stat. 437, 

as amended, which is classified generally to subchapters I-A (Sec. 1973 et seq.), I-B (Sec. 1973aa et seq.), 

and I-C (Sec. 1973bb et seq.) of this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short 

Title note set out under section 1971 of this title and Tables.

CODIFICATION

Section is comprised of section 8 of Pub. L. 103-31. Subsec. (h) of section 8 of Pub. L. 103-31 enacted 

section 3629 of Title 39, Postal Service, and amended sections 2401 and 3627 of Title 39.

AMENDMENTS

2002 - Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 107-252 inserted before period at end ", except that nothing in this 

paragraph may be construed to prohibit a State from using the procedures described in subsections (c) and 

(d) of this section to remove an individual from the official list of eligible voters if the individual - "(A) has 

not either notified the applicable registrar (in person or in writing) or responded during the period 

described in subparagraph (B) to the notice sent by the applicable registrar; and then

"(B) has not voted or appeared to vote in 2 or more consecutive general elections for Federal office".

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS--This section is referred to in sections 1973gg-3, 

1973gg-4, 1973gg-7 of this title.
Sec. 1973gg-7 FEDERAL COORDINATION AND REGULATIONS

(a) In general

The Election Assistance Commission -

(1) in consultation with the chief election officers of the States, shall prescribe 

such regulations as are necessary to carry out paragraphs (2) and (3);

(2) in consultation with the chief election officers of the States, shall develop a 

mail voter registration application form for elections for Federal office;

(3) not later than June 30 of each odd-numbered year, shall submit to the 

Congress a report assessing the impact of this subchapter on the administration of 

elections for Federal office during the preceding 2-year period and including 

recommendations for improvements in Federal and State procedures, forms, and 

other matters affected by this subchapter; and

(4) shall provide information to the States with respect to the responsibilities of 

the States under this subchapter.

(b) Contents of mail voter registration form

The mail voter registration form developed under subsection (a)(2) of this section -

(1) may require only such identifying information (including the signature of the 

applicant) and other information (including data relating to previous registration 

by the applicant), as is necessary to enable the appropriate State election official 

to assess the eligibility of the applicant and to administer voter registration and 

other parts of the election process;

(2) shall include a statement that -

(A) specifies each eligibility requirement (including citizenship);

(B) contains an attestation that the applicant meets each such requirement; 

and

(C) requires the signature of the applicant, under penalty of perjury;

(3) may not include any requirement for notarization or other formal 

authentication; and

(4) shall include, in print that is identical to that used in the attestation portion of 

the application -
(i) the information required in section 1973gg-6(a)(5)(A) and (B) 

of this title;

(ii) a statement that, if an applicant declines to register to vote, the 

fact that the applicant has declined to register will remain 

confidential and will be used only for voter registration purposes; 

and

(iii) a statement that if an applicant does register to vote, the office 

at which the applicant submits a voter registration application will 

remain confidential and will be used only for voter registration 

purposes.

AMENDMENTS

2002 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107-252 substituted "Election Assistance Commission" for "Federal Election 

Commission" in introductory provisions.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2002 AMENDMENT

Amendment by Pub. L. 107-252 effective upon appointment of all members of the Election Assistance 

Commission under section 15323 of this title, see section 15534(a) of this title.

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in sections 1973gg-4, 1973gg-5, 15329, 15532 of this title.

Sec. 1973gg-8 Designation of chief State election official

Each State shall designate a State officer or employee as the chief State election official to be responsible 

for coordination of State responsibilities under this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 103-31, Sec. 10, May 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 87.)

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS--This section is referred to in sections 1973gg-6, 15403 

of this title.

Sec. 1973gg-9 CIVIL ENFORCEMENT AND PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION

(a) Attorney General

The Attorney General may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court for such 

declaratory or injunctive relief as is necessary to carry out this subchapter.

(b) Private right of action

(1) A person who is aggrieved by a violation of this subchapter may provide 

written notice of the violation to the chief election official of the State involved.
(2) If the violation is not corrected within 90 days after receipt of a notice under 

paragraph (1), or within 20 days after receipt of the notice if the violation 

occurred within 120 days before the date of an election for Federal office, the 

aggrieved person may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court for 

declaratory or injunctive relief with respect to the violation.

(3) If the violation occurred within 30 days before the date of an election for 

Federal office, the aggrieved person need not provide notice to the chief election 

official of the State under paragraph (1) before bringing a civil action under 

paragraph (2).

(c) Attorney's fees

In a civil action under this section, the court may allow the prevailing party (other than 

the United States) reasonable attorney fees, including litigation expenses, and costs.

(d) Relation to other laws

(1) The rights and remedies established by this section are in addition to all other 

rights and remedies provided by law, and neither the rights and remedies 

established by this section nor any other provision of this subchapter shall 

supersede, restrict, or limit the application of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (42 

U.S.C. 1973 et seq.).

(2) Nothing in this subchapter authorizes or requires conduct that is prohibited by 

the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 1973 et seq.).

REFERENCES IN TEXT

The Voting Rights Act of 1965, referred to in subsec. (d), is Pub. L. 89-110, Aug. 6, 1965, 79 Stat. 437, as 

amended, which is classified generally to subchapters I-A (Sec. 1973 et seq.), I-B (Sec. 1973aa et seq.), and 

I-C (Sec. 1973bb et seq.) of this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title 

note set out under section 1971 of this title and Tables.

Sec. 1973gg-10 CRIMINAL PENALTIES

A person, including an election official, who in any election for Federal office -

(1) knowingly and willfully intimidates, threatens, or coerces, or attempts to intimidate, 

threaten, or coerce, any person for -

(A) registering to vote, or voting, or attempting to register or vote;

(B) urging or aiding any person to register to vote, to vote, or to attempt to 

register or vote; or
(C) exercising any right under this subchapter; or

(2) knowingly and willfully deprives, defrauds, or attempts to deprive or defraud the 

residents of a State of a fair and impartially conducted election process, by -

(A) the procurement or submission of voter registration applications that are 

known by the person to be materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent under the laws 

of the State in which the election is held; or

(B) the procurement, casting, or tabulation of ballots that are known by the person 

to be materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent under the laws of the State in which 

the election is held, shall be fined in accordance with title 18 (which fines shall be 

paid into the general fund of the Treasury, miscellaneous receipts (pursuant to 

section 3302 of title 31), notwithstanding any other law), or imprisoned not more 

than 5 years, or both.

Notes:

The information provided on this page was obtained from the World Wide Web site maintained by the 

United States House of Representatives. It has been reformatted for the convenience of the users but not 

changed. Please inform us if you discover any errors or omissions.