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National Voter Registration Day: The Unregistered, but Rising, American Electorate

September 22, 2015
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Today is National Voter Registration Day, and perhaps the most important National Voter Registration Day ever because of the decisive role the Rising American Electorate (RAE)—unmarried women, people of color, and millennials—will have in the 2016 election.

In 2016, the RAE will make up 57% of Americans eligible to vote and they’re poised to make up the majority of the electorate. That’s why many now call them the New American Majority. But that can only happen if they’re registered to vote—and as this map we posted a few weeks ago makes clear, there are a lot of states where huge numbers of the RAE aren’t registered to vote, including in states key to the outcome of the 2016 presidential election:

Rising American Electorate Voter Registration by State

Hover your mouse over a state to see the numbers and percentages of unmarried women, people of color and Millennials who are not registered to vote.
% of RAE Not Registered
 
25-29%
 
30-34%
 
35-39%
 
40-44%
 
45-49%
 
50-54%
 
55% +

Unregistered RAE By State

Data Source: Current Population Survey: Voting and Registration Supplement, 2014. U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census

That’s why our ongoing mail and online registration programs, which focus on the Rising American Electorate, are such an important part of our mission—because we believe our nation is stronger when every eligible American can cast a ballot and make their voice heard on Election Day.

And if you’re not registered to vote yet, make sure you’re registered!