The Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC), an interstate data exchange that harnesses cutting-edge technology to promote more comprehensive and accurate voter rolls, alerts election officials about voters whose information might be out of date or who may be eligible but not registered to vote. The Pew Charitable Trusts is inviting new ERIC member states and those considering joining to apply for grants to help defray the cost of their initial outreach, which includes bulk mail service, provider charges, and postage.
In accordance with ERIC’s bylaws, members must contact citizens who are identified as eligible to vote but not registered and educate them on the most efficient means of registering. Such outreach has substantial benefits for the efficiency and integrity of the voter registration process but can involve significant costs. The Pew grants help to mitigate those expenses for new ERIC states. In 2016, seven states—Alaska, Illinois, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Wisconsin—received grants to conduct their initial mailings.
Applications must be received by 5 p.m. EST on Aug. 1, 2017. Instructions for submitting an application and information on the timeline and selection process are included on the application form.
For more information, please contact Samuel Derheimer at sderheimer@pewtrusts.org.