Lessons Learned from State Upgrades to Voter Registration Databases: Case Studies from AZ, GA, NV & RI

Research by: April Tan, Kyle Yoder, & Kyle Upchurch

Executive Summary

The passage of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) in 2002 required states to implement a computerized statewide voter registration list—and with it, a voter registration database (VRDB). Though their specific capabilities and architectures vary, states use VRDBs to define, maintain, and administer the official voter registration list in line with HAVA requirements. The widespread adoption of VRDBs brought voter registration into the twenty-first century, bolstering the efficiency, security, and accessibility of elections across the country.

While VRDBs often receive little attention outside of election administration circles, they are a critical piece of election infrastructure. However, two decades of continued technological advancement mean that many states are now finding their VRDBs in need of updates. This study catalogues key insights, promising practices, and lessons learned from four states that recently replaced or are currently replacing their VRDB.

CEIR interviewed and surveyed election officials in four states—Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and Rhode Island—to create case studies about their experiences planning, developing, and implementing a new system. While the unique needs of each state ensure that no two VRDBs will be the same, this report aims to equip policymakers and state election officials with knowledge of key insights as they consider updating or replacing their own VRDB. The report identifies six themes among these case studies as promising practices and lessons learned:

1. Begin the process of replacing the statewide VRDB earlier rather than later.
2. Assess the state team’s internal capabilities and priorities, and contract with external parties and vendors accordingly.
3. Involve local election officials early and often in the VRDB replacement process.
4. Consider the possibility (and tradeoffs) of a phased rollout.
5. Prioritize efficiency and ease of use for the new VRDB.
6. Emphasize effective communication for stakeholder support and project management success.

The process and insights from each state are described in respective case studies in appendices to this report.