I have long contended that the theory of GIGO (“Garbage In, Garbage Out”) applies to the process of voter registration.  There are several vulnerabilities in registering voters across the U.S., particularly related to voter residential addresses (some registered voters one can reside in a vacant lot, but not a post office box). 

How often are voter rolls culled (compared against deaths, property or utility records, etc.?)?   Based on my experience in the Commonwealth of Kentucky years back, they probably get to it when they can get to it, which probably means if there is no budget allocation, there is no culling.

Voting is as much a right as it is a privilege, although you here far more of the former than the latter in the pre-election discussions in the U.S.  That is unfortunate, because the civic obligation taken seriously, would mean that an eligible voter kept their right to vote updated when they move, leave states, etc.

“How do I elect thee? Let me count the ways.”  

The article above, while partisan, should send a shiver of civic concern through every U.S. citizen.  It explains the problems of the voter rolls but does not address the actual process of registration eligibility (age, citizenship) and verification (shopping malls, vehicle licensing departments, etc.), which if we go by the voter rolls challenges, is anything but pristine. 

Update, 11 August 2024:  Glen Youngkin, Governor of Virginia has the right approach to this with respect to verification of citizenship.  While 6,000 in a state seems like a small amount to cull, US elections, particularly presidential ones, have seen razor thin margins in many states, nearly divided evenly as the Nation is. 

The actual verification should be done at the time an individual registers to vote, not after the fact, but this is a workable alternative. Youngkin does it right!