While the nation is locked in yet another contentious partisan election cycle, two Secretaries of State—Kentucky’s Republican Michael Adams and Minnesota’s Democrat Steve Simon—are setting a remarkable example. As the bipartisan co-chairs of National Voter Registration Day, they’re proving that when it comes to safeguarding democracy, there’s always common ground to be found.
With National Voter Registration Day 2024’s date of September 17 fast approaching, Adams and Simon are gearing up to energize their home states to get registered and ready to hit the polls this November. Both leaders bring a passion for civic engagement that transcends political divides, and their collaboration is a testament to the belief that voter registration is a nonpartisan effort essential to the health of our democracy.
Secretary Michael Adams’ journey to promoting voter registration began long before his time in office. As a practicing election lawyer, he encountered a startling fact that stuck with him: “The biggest surprise I got that still kind of blows me away is the proportion of people who are not registered to vote,” he recalls. “I would have clients spend millions of dollars on voter registration, and I’d think, ‘Is there anyone left?’ Well, surprise surprise, the answer is yes—there are a lot of people left, from various political persuasions.”
This realization fueled his commitment to expanding voter registration access. Now, as Secretary of State, Adams leads initiatives in Kentucky designed to bring more people into the fold. For National Voter Registration Day 2024, he’s working with the state’s YMCA Youth Association, which will send volunteers to major events like the Kentucky State Fair. And while details are still being finalized, he’s looking forward to partnering with local organizations to host another celebration on the lawn of the Old State Capitol—a tradition for the past two years.
Adams’ dedication to making elections more inclusive is rooted in a belief that civic engagement shouldn’t be defined by party lines. “If there’s something that we can find bipartisanship on, hopefully it’s voter registration,” he says. “Democrats, Republicans—we all want to vote, so let’s make it as easy as we can. And the first step is to register.”
In Minnesota, Secretary Steve Simon shares Adams’ commitment to expanding voter access, and, while he and his Kentucky counterpart may be of different political persuasions, also recognizes the challenges faced in engaging voters are very much alike.
Simon tells us his focus is on ensuring that every eligible voter, regardless of background, has the opportunity to participate. “The two main challenges are access to those not engaged in the election system and getting changes to election statutes out in front of the most affected constituents,” Simon explains. “Whether it’s voters needing translation of election documents or those with recently restored voting rights, partnerships and message repetition have helped us bridge knowledge gaps.”
Simon’s approach to National Voter Registration Day this year highlights the power of education. From high schools to colleges, he’s ensuring that young people understand the importance of registration. One innovative idea is a live virtual program for high schools, designed to engage students statewide. “I’ll be speaking at the two high schools hosting the event that day, and then later, I’ll be at two colleges talking about why voting and registration matter,” Simon says.
This year, Simon is also working with Minnesota’s postsecondary institutions, which are, as of last year, now required to have voter engagement plans. “Most campuses are building events and information distribution around Voter Education Week and NVRD,” he notes. By focusing on education and outreach, Simon is laying the groundwork for a generation of engaged voters to develop a life-long habit of voting.
What stands out most about Adams and Simon’s partnership is their shared understanding that voter registration is a nonpartisan, fundamental right. Both secretaries believe that voter engagement shouldn’t be colored by politics. As Simon puts it, “The messenger may be an office holder with a party designation, but the message is for everyone to participate in the system and have their voice heard.”
Adams echoes this sentiment: “I’ve devoted my career to getting people off the sidelines and registered to vote.”
As co-chairs of National Voter Registration Day, Adams and Simon are leading a movement that invites all Americans—regardless of party affiliation—to take part in the democratic process. Their collaboration is proof that, even in divisive times, there’s one thing we can all agree on: our democracy works best when everyone has a voice. And that voice begins with a simple act—registering to vote.