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Motor Voter Law

June 1,  2000. Version 1.1.

Problem Recognition. Compare the actual situation to the desired.

The percent of the voting age population registered to vote in Federal elections averaged 68% from 1976 to 1994 (Figure 1). Congress determined that variation in State voting registration procedures varied significantly and determined that new options and standards needed to be implemented.  Their findings included the following:

          (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.

Percent of the Voting Age Population Registered to Vote - 1976 - 1992
(Before the New Law)

Decision Making. Identify and select alternatives. Develop an action plan.

In 1993, Congress passed the  National Voter Registration Act of 1993 - commonly  referred to as the Motor Voter Law which took effect in 1995.  The specific purpose of the law was to accomplish the following: 

   (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 Act 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.

Problem Resolution. Take Action and Assess Results.

The percent of the voting age population registered to vote in 1996 was 74.4%  prompting the Federal Election Commission to report that  the “Motor voter law resulted  in the highest percentage of voter registration since reliable records were first available in 1960.”   

The  results for 1996 (74.4%) and 1998 (70.6%)  represent two points above the average. When plotting the data on an individuals control chart (Figure 2), the increases represent common causes, e.g., they did not exceed upper or lower control limits. 

Percent of the Voting Age Population (VAP) Registered to Vote - 1976 - 1998

   
Figure 2.

Follow Through. Determine the next step.

If the VAP percentage continues to be above average for another five elections, then it can be concluded that a shift in the process occurred.

References:
(2)  Timothy J. Clark, "Success Through Quality: Support Guide for The Journey to Continuous Improvement, (Milwaukee: Quality Press, 1999)