Continuous Updating
One of the obvious advantages of the continuous list of voters compared to the periodic list is the
opportunity it presents for voters to ensure they are included on the list. Because voter registration
occurs throughout the election cycle, there are far fewer reasons to be missed, passed over, or
inadvertently excluded from the list. Although the voter list is developed through continuous
processing, it is important at some point before the election to establish a cut-off date so that the
final voters list can be printed and distributed to political parties and candidates and delivered to
voting stations. Because of the lengthy period used for accepting voter registration information,
there is a less compelling case for election authorities to adopt extraordinary means of registration
after the cut-off date. As with the periodic list, the main concern over late registration is with the
increased risk of fraudulent practices. However, steps can be taken to reduce this risk, which
could in turn be used to justify late registration.
Concern over Fraudulent Practices
The key issue to consider with respect to election day registration is whether it may significantly
increase the likelihood of voters engaging in fraudulent practices. There are ways to decrease the
likelihood of fraudulence, to the point that there is little risk in allowing election day registration.
These include the following:
- Situations in which all or essentially all citizens carry identification, especially photo
identification, can present minimal risks of fraudulence. When a voter's identification and location
of residence can be verified through his or her photo ID, and he/she swears to his/her eligibility,
there is a strong case for allowing election day registration.
- When all individuals are assigned to a specific voting station in their community, and the
individual can either demonstrate or attest to his/her residency in that community, the risks of
fraudulence during election day registration are minimal.
- The use of indelible ink to signify that one has voted, particularly when used in conjunction
with a demonstration of the voter's residency and swearing to his/her eligibility, should effectively
minimize fraud during election day registration.
