Why Elections Systems Matter
American elections today operate much the way they did at the turn of the 20th century. Our work is aimed at modernizing elections systems, with a focus on three areas:
- Helping states improve voter registration systems, including maintaining accurate lists in a time of increased mobility;
- Collaborating with technology companies and state election offices to provide voters with easy access to official election information; and
- Strengthening research on election administration and developing data measures to provide an empirical assessment of how well our nation is conducting elections.
How We Conduct Our Work
- Policy Advocacy. In the states, we advocate for data-driven policies that make the best use of taxpayer resources while ensuring the highest standards of accuracy, convenience, security, and efficiency.
- Innovative Tools. We work with election officials, academics, and technology specialists to develop tools that help states streamline election processes and make the most of 21st-century technology.
- Research. We conduct policy-relevant research to identify areas of strength and weakness in current elections systems and to evaluate possible solutions. The findings help states improve the way elections are administered in the U.S.
- Information Sharing. Through events, online Election Data Dispatches, interactive graphics, and public appearances, we lead a national conversation on the importance of improved election systems. In doing so, we serve as a resource to state policy makers and election administrators making data-driven policy decisions.
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The LATEST from the Project
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- Report
- Election Initiatives
Upgrading Democracy
This 2010 report argued that Americans deserve a more cost-effective, accurate and efficient registration system that protects the integrity of the process and ensures that more eligible voters—and only eligible voters—are on the rolls.
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- Media Coverage
- Election Initiatives
Election Study: Switching from Paper to Online Could Save CA Counties Millions
Sending less paper and more e-mail could save California counties loads of money come election time. A new study on California elections finds that money could be saved if counties made better use of technology and reduced printing and mailing paper voter guides and sample ballots.
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- Press Release
- Election Initiatives
Pew Applauds Tennessee for Military and Overseas Voting Improvements
Tennessee took steps this week to improve the voting procedure for service members and citizens overseas as Governor Bill Haslam, Thursday evening, signed HB1081/SB 875 into law, ensuring Tennesseans abroad who do not receive their official ballot in time can participate in all elections. more
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- Media Coverage
- Election Initiatives
State Supreme Court Election Recount Could be Costly
It's going to cost Wisconsin's taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars to more than $1 million to find out who will be the next state Supreme Court justice. The Pew Center for the States reported in November that statewide recount efforts in Minnesota and Washington state cost an average of 15 cents to 30 cents per ballot.
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- Opinion
- Election Initiatives
Editorial: Let Voters Opt Out of Sample Ballots Sent by U.S. Mail
Ventura County could save more than $100,000 during every major election if as few as one in five voters would agree to receive the sample-ballot information online instead of by U.S. mail.
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- Media Coverage
- Election Initiatives
New Law Could Cut Taxpayers' Elections Costs If Voters Go Paperless
The Ventura County elections office could save hundreds of thousands of dollars by limiting the number of paper mailings to voters and moving them online, a study shows. more
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- Featured Collection
- Election Initiatives
Military & Overseas Voting
The Pew Charitable Trusts supports reforms that will bring 21st century technology to America’s election system and guarantee all citizens abroad can participate in our democracy from a distance. more
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- Opinion
- Election Initiatives
Student Voting: A 'Problem' Becomes an Opportunity
As spring break begins across America, many college students are looking forward to an escape from classes. But some state lawmakers across the nation have something else on their minds: how to limit the influence of students by making it harder for them to cast ballots in their campus towns. more
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- Featured Collection
- Election Initiatives
Voting Information Project
The Voting Information Project (VIP) is an innovative and proven service that provides voters with the information they need to cast a ballot—when they need it and where they are most likely to look for it. more
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- Featured Collection
- Election Initiatives
Upgrading Voter Registration
The Pew Charitable Trusts and its partners are building on cutting edge practices in some states and the private sector to bring voter registration systems into the 21st century and improve accuracy, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. more
