Frequently Asked Questions about Voting Rights

What other voting rights laws does the Justice Department enforce?

The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 1973gg to 1973gg-10) requires states to make voter registration opportunities for federal elections available through the mail and when people apply for or receive a driver's license, public assistance, disability services or other government services. The NVRA also provides rules regarding maintenance of voter registration lists for federal elections.

The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act of 1986 (42 U.S.C. 1973ff to 1973ff-7) requires states to make sure that members of our uniformed forces who are stationed away from home, their families, and U.S. citizens who are overseas, can register and vote absentee in federal elections.

The Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act of 1984 (42 U.S.C. 1973ee to 1973ee-6) requires states to take certain steps to make the voting process accessible to people with disabilities.

The Help America Vote Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 15301 to 15545) is designed to improve the administration of elections in the United States by establishing minimum standards for states to follow in several key aspects of election administration in federal elections.