Abstract
In recent years, a number of states have passed some version of automated voter registration (AVR). Implementation varies, but the core idea is to more aggressively promote voter registration as an option at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Evaluation of the impact of AVR has been limited thus far, mostly because AVR implementation has itself been limited. But post-reform data are now available for a number of states, and others that are considering adopting the reform are wondering what the effects of the laws have been in these states. What would registration and turnout have looked like in AVR states had the reform not been implemented? In this paper we take advantage of the first election cycle with significant post-AVR data across a range of states to explore the registration effects of AVR. We employ both difference-in-differences and synthetic control approaches to identify causality. Registration effects so far appear to have been solid overall and larger for Latinos. Evidence for Asian Americans and young people is more ambiguous, as is evidence for effects in individual states. We conclude with thoughts on future directions to help develop better estimates in these areas.