Ruth Bader Ginsburg death prompted spike in voter registration

• In just days after the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, nonpartisan organization Vote.org reported a 118 percent leap in voter registrations and verifications. 
• The website, which offers voting information, also noted a spike in mail-in ballot requests, new registrations, as well as requests for voting details and polling places on the weekend of Ginsburg’s death.
• Vote.org CEO Andrea Hailey believes the reason for the jump is that people are now paying attention and linking major events in American history with action via the election.

NBC News reported a sudden increase in voter registration and requests for mail-in ballots right after the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

According to nonpartisan nonprofit organization Vote.org, the weekend following Ginsburg’s death saw an influx of requests reaching up to 139,046 registration verifications or a 118 percent jump compared to the previous weekend.

The website provides tools that allow voters to check and double-check their registration status, register to vote, and request for a mail-in ballot. Information on voting laws and locations of polling places is also included.

The site also observed 41,000 new voter registrations as well as 35,000 mail-in ballot requests on the weekend of Ginsburg’s death, which is a 68 percent and 42 percent spike respectively, from the past week.

“I think it means that there’s a younger generation that’s definitely paying attention,” Andrea Hailey, Vote.org CEO, told NBC News.

“With 30 some-odd days left to go, people are connecting these major moments in American history with action at the ballot box.”

In addition, Hailey told the outlet that another rush in registrations occurred on National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday where over 730,000 people visited the site for voting information while 135,000 others confirmed their voter registration.

The spike in voter registrations comes as both Democrats and Republicans continue to push for the “get-out-the-vote” efforts as the November election approaches.

Former first lady Michelle Obama, along with her When We All Vote organization, has been especially active in promoting voter efficacy and turnout.

Meanwhile, a fundraising record high of more than $91 million was generated within 28 hours of Ginsburg’s death. This is viewed as one of the biggest online fundraising platforms for Democratic candidates.

Source: The Hill