Difficulty of Voter Registration in the U.S. and Its Impact on Young Voters

• In Event: Election Administration: Impact of Voting Rules in the States

Abstract

We create a new Difficulty of Registration Index (DORI) extracted via an item response theory (IRT) model of key dimensions of voter registration laws across the states and over time. We find that most states made registration easier over time. North Carolina, though, imposed a host of new voter registration restrictions. Using a mixed-methods approach, we find that increased DORI is associated with more problems registering and lower likelihood of voting among young North Carolinians. This study clarifies how new registration restrictions can change the electorate and impact political equality.

Authors

• Joshua Jansa, Oklahoma State University

• Matthew P. Motta, Oklahoma State University

• Rebekah Herrick, Oklahoma State University