As policymakers, election officials, and the public consider whether New York should change the way in which voters are allowed to register to participate in elections, and bring New York State election law into compliance with the Help America Vote Act, the following report provides an analysis of the potential impact of election day registration (EDR) in New York.

EDR in New York has the potential to increase voter participation for New Yorkers by as much as:

  • Over 12 percentage point increase in turnout by 18-to-25-year-olds.
  • Nearly 10  percentage point increase in turnout by those with a grade school education or less.
  • An 11 point increase in turnout by Latinos and  nearly 9 percentage point increase in turnout by African Americans.
  • Over 10 percentage point increase in turnout by those who have lived at their current address for less than six months.
  • Over 12 percentage point increase in turnout by naturalized citizens.