The Canvass:  States and Election Reform

Welcome to The Canvass:  States and Election Reform® -- a newsletter by NCSL for legislatures.  With support provided by the Pew Charitable Trusts, The Canvass is designed to synthesize data, legislative practices, and insight from the 50 states and U.S. territories into an executive summary for legislators and key staff. 

We hope The Canvass will give you an edge in perspective as you work to improve your state's elections, and we welcome your feedback.  Feel free to call or e-mail us with any questions or comments.   

Current Issue of The Canvass

The April 2013 issue of The Canvass provides an in-depth look at customer service concepts as they relate to elections.  Customer service means much more than speediness; in fact, it means full service for all voters. The Canvass provides information major reforms that can impact voters' experiences, plus Election Day ideas around poll worker management, voter information and reducing lines.  

Also included: a new (and as yet untried) approach to voter check-in, that uses photos imported from motor vehicle bureaus to verify voters; a report on legislative action in the states, interviews with a committee chairperson and a local election administrator and links to many election-related resources.

A printable version (pdf) is available here.

Topical Index of The Canvass

Featured election articles from past issues of The Canvass can be found in a Topical  Index.

For More Information

Contact NCSL's elections staff --Jennie Drage Bowser or Wendy Underhill -- by e-mail or at 303-364-7700.