Someone explain to me voter registration
 

My philosopher roommate and I were talking last night as I read some things for one of my political science classes and I began to wonder about something. I read about the fact that one state has no voter registration at all and 2 others have same-day voter registration. He, being of the philosophical mindset and, I believe, a little less than pragmatic, declared that the state with no voter registration had it right because nation-states are dead anyway. Clearly, I can see the pragmatic argument against this. However, what I can't see a pragmatic argument agaisnt is why not have all states with same day voter registration? What is it that keeps states from adopting this? I can see no benefit to either party if it's easier for EVERYONE to register. So, can some please explain to me why there are not more states with same-day registration?

I think that I see a benefit to BOTH parties if voters remain apathetic and unregistered.

Voter registration in the United States is primarily designed to maintain the two-party system. The only thing the Democrats and Republicans really have in common is the desire to limit any other party from gaining significant power (there has to be a minimum of two parties in any democratic system). Because Dems and Republicans control the legislatures and governorships in every state, they have set the rules for registering so that you have to do so in advance. This severely harms third parties, as most people if forced to register in advance will have to decide early whether to vote for the main party candidates with the most name recognition and the best ability to get out their message.

Third parties have taken hold in the state where same-day registration is law, Minnesota, largely because undecideds can make up their mind at the very last minute and choose to vote for someone other than a major party candidate. This explains Jesse Ventura's success, for example.

I know the argument regarding third parties, but in this case I just don't see it. And, trust me, I like to look out for things that will help third parties ;) Yes, more undecided people can vote third party with same day registration, but they can also vote democrat or republican. Really, I don't think undecided voters really have any more of an inclination towards third parties than toward the two major parties.

Of course, whether it TRULY helps third parties doesn't matter I suppose. If the two major parties think it will hurt them, then they'll prevent it from happening.

We REALLY need a constitutional amendment taking control of elections away from the people who receive votes :( :(

The best reason for it is to PRETEND the states check to see if you are indeed a citizen and can vote. Having to register ahead of time gives them the power to do so.

Otherwise show up with a bunch of fake ID's and vote away all over the place.

Now the problem isn't with voter registration but the problem is with lack of checking. 4000 NY residents voted in Florida in 2000 AND in NY. There saddly is no system to check this.

Documentation please.

http://www.nydailynews.com/front/sto...p-192807c.html

Only referance I can quickly find. Can't recall the original was a long time ago.

SecretMethod70 - yes, it is true that people can register on election day and then vote democrat or republican. But the advantage for third parties is that those who were set to vote that way can change their minds, and that the third parties can try and run a diffucult but successful get out the vote campaign. The danger isn't really that great - the Minnesota Republicans and Democrats still win the vast majorities of seats - but occasionally, something can go wrong. When Ventura won, neither the Dem nor Republican candidates were well liked or ran good campaigns. This drove down turnout. But Ventura ran a great campaign, rallied the support of the people through grassroots measures, and was able to convince a lot of people to either vote for him instead of the other guys or to decide at the last minute to vote, and to vote for him.

That really is why registration rules are set up how they are most places.