The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1993
The National Voter Registration Act was enacted by Congress in 1993. The goal of the Act was to enhance voting opportunities for all Americans by requiring the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and many public assistance agencies to offer voter registration simultaneously with other services. Specifically, citizens may register at all Bureau of Motor Vehicle locations when they apply for or renew a driver's license. Section 7 of the Act requires states to offer voter registration opportunities at offices that provide public assistance and state-funded programs engaged in providing services to persons with disabilities.
Citizens may register at "designated" agencies such as:
- Department of Job and Family Services
- Department of Health's Women, Infant & Children program
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Developmental Disabilities
- Rehabilitation services commission
- Public high schools
- Public vocational schools
- Public libraries
- County treasurers' offices
The Secretary of State works to ensure compliance with the requirements of the NVRA by supporting agencies by supplying important resources, training, and instructions on how to conduct voter registration. The information below will assist agencies and voters in understanding their rights and responsibilities under the NVRA.
- Voter Registration Instruction Manual: For Designated Agencies, Public Libraries, Public High Schools and Vocational Schools and Offices of County Treasurers
- Voter Registration at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles: An Instruction Manual for Deputy Registrars
- Voter Registration Instruction Manual: For the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and County Departments of Job and Family Services
- Voter Registration Notification Posters
- Voter Registration Form (or change of name or address)
- Absentee Voting / Vote by Mail