Describe the various measures that were taken to improve voter registration and turnout in Texas. Explain which efforts are most susceptible to fraud and describe how these can be countered

What will be an ideal response?

Answer:
A. Improvements in voter registration and turnout
1. Simple registration
a. fill out small form
b. voter can register a qualified spouse, parent or child
c. registration is permanent and is automatically renewed if voter has same address
d. do not need registration card to vote, just identification
e. motor voter law registers people to vote when applying for public services like driver's license
2. Change in policy that used voter registration lists for jury summons lists
a. since 1992, all adult citizens are qualified for jury summons not just registered voters
3. Easier participation
a. Election Day registration
b. expanded voting by mail
c. no excuse early voting policy in Texas
B. Registration policies that are susceptible to fraud
1. Motor voter law does not check to see if person is a legally qualified voter
a. Texas first state to require agencies to determine eligibility using their records
2. Voting by mail can result in campaign workers giving illegal assistance
a. nursing homes have had people fill out ballots for residents
b. fraud eliminated by 30-day registration window to check for fraud, more prison time for violations, voter ID bill
3. early voting not a fraud issue but has a social cost
a. takes away from the meaning of voting as a civic institution