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Women holding voting rights signs outside the US Capitol

Expanding Voter Access

We fight to increase voters’ access to the polls, including expanding early voting and automatic and online voter registration.  

Why It Matters

Increased accessibility to the electoral process is integral to ensuring that every American can exercise their right to vote. Leagues across the United States work year-round to promote pro-voter reforms that both preserve our existing rights and provide flexibility for casting ballots in order to be inclusive of historically underserved communities. 

While we have made progress in expanding voter access, many people still face disproportionate challenges to participate in elections due to factors including health, age, race, and gender. Our democracy is strongest when every voice is heard, which is why we strongly advocate for measures to make voting more accessible. 

Voter Accessibility Measures Supported by LWVUS

  • Automatic voter registration 

  • Online voter registration 

  • Multilingual voting resources 

  • Extended polling hours 

  • Mail-in voting 

  • Early voting 

  • Eliminated ballot notary and witness signature requirements  

  • Extended registration deadlines 

  • Expanded polling locations 

  • Eliminated or relaxed ID requirements 

  • Added protections for in-person voting 

Pro-voter reforms have transformed our democracy and led to unprecedented voter turnout in the 2020 Election. But they are too often threatened by politicians and special interests who prioritize their own needs over an equal and fair democracy. When it comes to opposing these anti-voter efforts, the League is on the frontlines, advocating in state houses and in Congress, fighting anti-voter laws in court, and organizing activists to make their voices heard.  

As we work to expand voter access, the League also empowers voters through VOTE411, a nonpartisan, ‘one-stop-shop' for all the election information you need to cast a ballot in every election – available in English and Spanish.  From registration to voting rules and candidate guides, this award-winning website is your guide to making your voice heard in every election. 

Woman holding pro-voting signs

Support the fight for everyone's freedom to vote.

How We Expand Voter Access

Advocating for Voter Access 

We work with legislators, grassroots organizers, and people like you to promote laws and policies that make the promise of democracy real for all Americans. These include: 

  • The Washington, DC Admission Act: Over 700,000 DC residents pay taxes, are eligible for the military draft, and contribute to our nation and their community the same as residents of every other state, yet they are without full representation in Congress. The majority of these Americans are people of color. We support full statehood and representation for the people of DC.  

Legal Work 

The League of Women Voters of the US and Leagues across the country engage in legal action supporting voting rights all year round. From Georgia to Kansas, we’re fighting discriminatory and suppressive voting regulations that limit access to the ballot. 

In 2020 alone, we protected more than 25 million voters through voting rights litigation. We’re proud to have a 78% win rate in federal lawsuits. 

In 2020, we protected 25 million voters

LWV has a 78% win rate in federal courts

Empowering Voters with VOTE411 

To participate in our democracy, Americans deserve trustworthy, nonpartisan information about local and federal elections, including voter guides, candidate information, polling rules and locations, and more. We make this information easy to find with our free, digital voter resource, VOTE411

Further Reading: Expanding Voter Access

Take Action

Promote Voter Access

There are many ways to help your fellow Americans make their voices heard
  • Sign up for our email list or digital outreach platform to stay updated on breaking news and ways to take action 

  • Find the election information you need at VOTE411.org 

  • Spread the word about voting rights by sharing this page with your friends and family on social media

Latest from the League

Jefferson City, Mo. - A Cole County Circuit Court judge issued a permanent injunction against four provisions of Missouri House Bill 1878 that criminalized voter engagement efforts and chilled the freedom of speech of organizations whose priorities are to register and educate voters. The challenge was brought by the League of Women Voters of Missouri and the Missouri State Conference of the NAACP, who are represented by the ACLU of Missouri, Campaign Legal Center, and the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition. 

Press Release /

In a victory for voting rights, a federal district court ruled Friday that a key provision of Texas’ anti-voter law Senate Bill 1 S(B1) violates federal law. Specifically, the court ruled that the provision, which criminalizes compensated mail-ballot assistance, violates Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA). 

Press Release /

October 11, 2024

The League is at the forefront of the most important federal and state cases across the United States. Here’s a list of the top five election-related legal cases you should know about this week. For case summaries, timelines, and additional information regarding our litigation practice, please visit LWV’s Legal Center. For press inquiries, email us at [email protected].   

 

Press Release /

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to expand access to the vote for all Americans.