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Voting Policy Resources

Voting is an important and deeply meaningful part of what it means to be an American. It’s experienced as a right and a responsibility that gives people a voice in the decisions that impact our lives and a say in how we are governed. 

As our nation has changed over the past decades, however, our election system has largely stayed the same. Many of the advances that have transformed the way we live have not been used to modernize the way we vote. And in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is growing urgency to ensure that that our elections are safe, secure and successful—and that every eligible American can register, vote and make their voice heard without putting their health or the health of others at risk.

Fortunately, election officials and voters across the country are supporting a number of proven policies—like mail voting, absentee voting, and automatic voter registration—that can help make our elections safe, accessible and secure. MAP has developed a series of resources to build understanding of how pro-voter policies help safeguard our democracy and the integrity of our elections, so that every citizen has the opportunity to vote and have their vote counted.

Related Resources

Report

State of Democracy: How Election Laws Differ Across the Country

November 2021 - This report provides findings and analysis on the disparities in election systems in the U.S. based on the Democracy Maps.

Read the Report
Map

Democracy Maps

The Democracy Maps track more than 40 laws and policies related to voting and elections around the United States.

Visit the Democracy Maps
Report

Making Vote By Mail Work for Everyone

June 2020 - This report provides an overview of how vote by mail works, how it can be implemented securely, and why the option is an important advancement to safeguard the accessibility and integrity of U.S. elections.

Read the Report
Guide

Talking About Pro-Voter Policies

April 2021 - Learn about approaches for talking about pro-voter policies and the importance of connecting on shared values around voting; addressing concerns about the security of our elections; making the case for solutions rooted in fairness, accessibility and security; and illustrating how these solutions help everyday Americans make their voices heard.

Read the Guide
Video

Video: How Automated Verification & Registration Works

February 2018 - Created by MAP and the Center for Secure and Modern Elections, this short video gives an overview of how Automated Verification & Registration makes voter registration more convenient, more secure, more accurate and more efficient.

Watch the video
Infographic

Infographic: How Does Automated Verification & Registration Work?

February 2018 - This graphic provides an overview of the five easy steps involved in Automated Verification & Registration, which automatically updates an eligible voter’s registration when they change their address with the post office or at the DMV, making our voting rolls more accurate and voting more convenient for everyday Americans.


View the Graphic
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Founded in 2006, the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) is an independent, nonprofit think tank that provides rigorous research, insight and communications that help speed equality and opportunity for all.

MAP works to ensure that all people have a fair chance to pursue health and happiness, earn a living, take care of the ones they love, be safe in their communities, and participate in civic life. MAP is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and donations to MAP are 100% tax-deductible. You can read more about MAP and the work we do on our About page.

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Sexual Orientation Policy Tally

The term “sexual orientation” is loosely defined as a person’s pattern of romantic or sexual attraction to people of the opposite sex or gender, the same sex or gender, or more than one sex or gender. Laws that explicitly mention sexual orientation primarily protect or harm lesbian, gay, and bisexual people. That said, transgender people who are lesbian, gay or bisexual can be affected by laws that explicitly mention sexual orientation.

Gender Identity Policy Tally

“Gender identity” is a person’s deeply-felt inner sense of being male, female, or something else or in-between. “Gender expression” refers to a person’s characteristics and behaviors such as appearance, dress, mannerisms and speech patterns that can be described as masculine, feminine, or something else. Gender identity and expression are independent of sexual orientation, and transgender people may identify as heterosexual, lesbian, gay or bisexual. Laws that explicitly mention “gender identity” or “gender identity and expression” primarily protect or harm transgender people. These laws also can apply to people who are not transgender, but whose sense of gender or manner of dress does not adhere to gender stereotypes.

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