Subject: Re: question re: same day voter registration and party switching
From: "Lance Olson" <Lance@olsonhagel.com>
Date: 10/1/2002, 6:47 PM
To: larrylevine@earthlink.net, rick.hasen@mail.lls.edu, election-law@majordomo.lls.edu

Larry:  While we might debate the merits of EDVR, I did want to correct one part of your posting.  Prop 52 does not "eliminate the provisional ballot" in California.  Provisional voting is allowed in CA Elections Code ¤14310.  Prop 52 does not amend that section.  

Rick:  While you did not suggest Prop 52 did so, for your information it does not permit a voter to re-register to change party affiliation on election day.

"Larry Levine" <larrylevine@earthlink.net> 10/01/2002 11:46:29 AM >>>
Great question. But I think a more fundamental question is what does anyone
think this will accomplish. By now, it should be clear that we cannot
legislate our way into higher voter turnout. First there was motor voter;
and the turnout dropped. Then there was a change in California to close
registration 15 days before the election instead of 29 days; and the turnout
dropped. Now there's Election Day registration. It will be a nightmare for
elections offices, a nightmare for polling place workers, and it won't
increase turnout. On top of it all, the California initiative will eliminate
the provisional ballot for those who are having problems or questions
regarding eligibility at the polling place.
Larry


----- Original Message -----
From: "Rick Hasen" <rick.hasen@lls.edu>
To: <election-law@majordomo.lls.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, October 01, 2002 11:10 AM
Subject: question re: same day voter registration and party switching


Does anyone know of empirical data on the extent of party switching by
voters in those jurisdictions that allow same day voter registration? In
other words, what percentage of Democrats (Republicans) re-register as
Republicans (Democrats) in such a system, compared with a more
traditional system that requires changes in registration to be made
earlier, such as 30 days before the election?

--
Rick Hasen
Professor of Law and William M. Rains Fellow
Loyola Law School
919 South Albany Street
Los Angeles, CA  90015-1211
(213)736-1466 - voice
(213)380-3769 - fax
rick.hasen@lls.edu 
http://www.lls.edu/academics/faculty/hasen.html