The Justice Department announced that the State of Oklahoma has taken corrective action regarding driver’s license and ID card applications and forms that previously did not comply with Section 5 of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA).
Section 5 of the NVRA, also known as the motor voter provision, requires that all applications for a driver’s license or state ID — including online renewal applications — provide an opportunity to register to vote or update an existing voter registration. The NVRA also mandates that any paper or online change of address form for a driver’s license or state ID automatically update the address on voter registration records unless a voter indicates otherwise.
“An inclusive democracy must provide all eligible voters access to the full range of voter registration opportunities required by law,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We encourage states and jurisdictions across the country to ensure that they are making voter registration opportunities fully and equally accessible at DMVs and other social services agencies, both in person and online. The Justice Department is committed to ensuring full compliance with the NVRA.”
Earlier this year, the Justice Department informed Oklahoma that its online renewal applications for driver’s licenses and state ID cards did not provide the required opportunity to register or update an existing voter registration record. Additionally, the state's online change of address form could not update voter registration records. Following meetings with state officials, Oklahoma acted to correct these omissions on both online and paper forms. The state also committed to notifying voters affected by these lapses. Furthermore, instructions are being provided so that eligible citizens not currently registered to vote at their current address can register or update outdated registration records.
The department will continue monitoring the implementation of these changes and welcomes feedback from the public. Complaints about discriminatory practices may be reported through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by calling (800) 253-3931.
More information about the NVRA, voting, and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Additional details about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws can be found at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.