Recent data analyzed by the University of Maryland’s Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement show a wide and alarming gap in voter registration and turnout rates between people who have a driver’s license and people who do not. For example, while nearly 90% of eligible people with a driver’s license report registering to vote, only 50% of those without a driver’s license report registering. Similarly, regarding voter turnout, people with a license were more than twice as likely to report voting than those without a license.
Structural limitations in the current implementation of election administration policies, such as online voter registration (OVR) and automatic voter registration (AVR), continue to perpetuate this gap by failing to reach and remove barriers for eligible citizens without licenses. This, along with voter photo ID requirements (which often specify a state-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, to prove identity at the polling place or online), leaves people without a driver’s license facing increased challenges at all stages of the voting process.
Our report details the specific issues and offers corresponding policy recommendations, as summarized below.
Recent data analyzed by the University of Maryland’s Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement show a wide and alarming gap in voter registration and turnout rates between people who have a driver’s license and people who do not. For example, while nearly 90% of eligible people with a driver’s license report registering to vote, only 50% of those without a driver’s license report registering. Similarly, regarding voter turnout, people with a license were more than twice as likely to report voting than those without a license.
Structural limitations in the current implementation of election administration policies, such as online voter registration (OVR) and automatic voter registration (AVR), continue to perpetuate this gap by failing to reach and remove barriers for eligible citizens without licenses. This, along with voter photo ID requirements (which often specify a state-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, to prove identity at the polling place or online), leaves people without a driver’s license facing increased challenges at all stages of the voting process.
Our report details the specific issues and offers corresponding policy recommendations, as summarized below.
Online voter registration can mitigate barriers to registration for low-income people who often struggle to overcome logistical barriers such as printing, completing, and returning a paper registration form. But most states require voters to have a driver’s license number, and therefore a signature on file with their DMV, in order to submit online applications. This significantly limits the effectiveness of OVR.
To fix this online registration access problem, states should consider other signature capture options that do not rely on DMV records. Viable alternatives include electronic signatures, signatures sent by mail, and in-person signatures provided at the polling place for OVR applicants.
Although automatic voter registration clearly improves overall registration and turnout rates, some states limit AVR’s scope by only (or primarily) offering it via DMV transactions, excluding those who do not interact with the agency. Expanding AVR to agencies beyond the DMV is important to reach communities whose members are less likely to have licenses, many of whom are historically marginalized.
To ensure AVR is accessible to all, states should focus efforts on expanding AVR programs beyond the DMV to multiple state agencies that have contact with a broad variety of eligible voters, such as state health benefit exchanges and local departments of social services.
Nearly 29 million Americans live under new voter ID laws that have gone into effect since 2020. A driver’s license is one of the most commonly used voter IDs, and even when other options are allowed under the legal requirements, not having a driver’s license still makes it less likely that a person will vote.
To minimize this impact, states with voter ID requirements should allow for an expansive list of alternative ID options, such as permitting those without an ID to attest to their identity under penalty of perjury, a method already being used successfully and securely in many states.
Not having a driver’s license also has practical implications that prevent many Americans from voting in person. For example, a voter without a driver’s license must rely on their social or community circles or public transportation to get to polling locations, taking more time and making it logistically harder to vote.
Keep mail voting accessible.
Community-based registration efforts meet voters where they are, often occurring at schools and universities, religious services, transportation hubs, and community events. This allows citizens without other government touchpoints, or who need the outreach provided by community groups, to register. Community-based registration efforts benefit some of the same marginalized communities that lack licenses. For example, Black adults—who are nearly four times more likely than white adults to lack a driver’s license—are nearly twice as likely to report registering at a community-based voter registration event than white adults.
Safeguard community-based voter registration efforts, which are unfortunately currently significantly regulated and restricted in many states.
The freedom to vote belongs to every citizen, not just those with a driver’s license. To make elections accessible for all eligible voters, policymakers should (1) consider pro-voter changes to how automatic voter registration and online voter registration are administered in their states; (2) remove the barriers that lacking a driver’s license can pose in the voting process (3) protect mail voting access and community voter registration activities.
These changes will help ensure that voters without a driver’s license have equal access to the ballot box, giving more citizens an opportunity to make their voices heard and expanding our electorate so that it more accurately reflects our diverse population.
Fair Elections Center intends the information contained herein to be used only as a general guide. This document does not constitute legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a legal professional licensed in the appropriate jurisdiction.
Fair Elections Center is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to safeguarding the future of our democracy through innovative efforts focused on voting rights and civic engagement. We use advocacy, litigation, organizing, education, and technology to protect and expand the right to vote, understanding the particular impact on disenfranchised, underrepresented, and marginalized communities. Through our unique partnerships with hundreds of campuses across the country, we are able to empower millions of new voters to participate in our democracy. Our litigation and advocacy efforts across dozens of states allows us to anticipate and counteract threats to free and fair elections. With our visionary use of technology we are able to support election administration throughout the nation.