Accessing the vote: A case for tax-time registration

The right to vote is an essential component of democracy, but those rights are being threatened in many areas throughout the country. Since the 2020 election, 18 states have enacted laws making it harder for Americans to vote and endangering the integrity of our elections. Policies encouraging citizens to register to vote as they file their income tax returns are an important part of the answer to protecting and expanding ballot access nationally. 

On September 28, Governance Studies at Brookings hosted a webinar to discuss the findings of a new report, “Voter Registration at Tax Time: Evidence of Efficacy, Approaches to Implementation.” Experts analyzed various pathways to increasing voter registration and the current barriers in place preventing Americans, especially those in minority communities, from accessing this right. Viewers also heard from Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.), who has introduced legislation allowing voters to register when filing their taxes. 

Viewers submitted questions for speakers by emailing events@brookings.edu or via Twitter at @BrookingsGov by using #FilerVoter.