The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Sept. 15, 2026
Written & Produced by:
September 14, 2026 12:28 pmBOSTON, MA — National Voter Registration Day is September 15. New state rules governing proof of citizenship, narrower voter ID options, and “use-it-or-lose it” voter registration purges might mean your registration status has changed. Election officials are hosting voter registration events nationwide.
Voter registrations need updating for several routine reasons. Perhaps a voter moved to a new state, town or voting district. Maybe a voter has gotten married, or changed their name.
Recently, though, many state rules have changed, and your registration may have been cancelled or may be suspended through no fault of your own. North Carolina’s election board is asking some voters to retroactively provide citizenship information or be removed.
Recent efforts by states and the Trump administration to find noncitizen voters has purged many legitimate voters from the rolls in several states.
The National Conference of State Legislatures counts 21 states with rules allowing removal of an inactive voter after notification, most after 4 to 8 years. In Florida, no voting after 2 years can result in removal if you haven’t responded. Younger voters, because they frequently move, often don’t receive those notices.
Thousands of nonprofits and election offices will conduct events for National Voter Registration Day, and can provide information about the status of your registration. We’ve linked to resources at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
National Voter Registration Day – Thousands of Nonprofits Mobilize for National Voter Registration Day
National Voter Registration Day – Trusted Voting Resources
MIT Election Data + Science Lab – Summary of U.S. Voter Registration Statistics
National Conference of State Legislatures – Voter Registration List Maintenance
League of Women Voters US – “Use It or Lose It” Purges Threaten College Students’ Right to Vote
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – (2022) Why People Don’t Vote Week: You Can’t Vote if You Don’t Register — So Why Don’t Nonvoters Register?
American Democracy Minute – (2023) Georgia Prepares to Purge Almost 200,000 Voters from the Voter List, Applying “Use it or Lose it” Rules; 20 Other States Have Similar Laws
Groups Taking Action:
National Voter Registration Day
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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