Report looks at which states have passed voting laws that restrict voter access this year | Democracy, elections, and voting at Democracy Chronicles

The Brennan Center for Justice published a report earlier this week that provides an overview of voting legislation in 2013. First, the study reviews the most restrictive laws either pending or passed in the States this year. The Institute found that “at least 80 restrictive bills were introduced in 31 states.” Virginia and Arkansas both passed laws that require voters to present identification.

However, on the more positive side, there has also been an effort in many states to make ballot access more open. According to the report:

• At least 195 bills that would expand access to voting were introduced in 45 states.
• Of those, 155 bills are still pending in 37 states.
• Of those, 41 bills are currently active in 21 states, in that there has been legislative activity beyond introduction and referral to committee (such as hearings, committee activity, or votes).
• Three states have passed three bills that expand opportunities for eligible citizens to register to vote. Virginia passed online voter registration and New Mexico passed a bill that automates the registration process at the state’s DMVs. Oklahoma passed a bill that allows more types of photo IDs to satisfy its existing, strict, voter ID law.