Can someone explain voter registration for me?

[cheezus]

I live in North Dakota. There's no voter preregistration in our state. Up until this year, you'd just show up and vote. This year there is a new law that requires ID (not a bad idea), but pretty much anything will work, including mail. If you don't have any ID, you can just sign an affidavit saying you're who you say you are and that you live where you say you do.

So what's the purpose of making people register? I'm guessing the reason is to prevent fraud, but I'm thinking it may just be more about supressing voter turnout (especially for the poor/minorities that have less access)

Then again, I don't see why we can't just count votes like they do in Canada - all by hand, all in one night

[Caution]

1. your first reason is the overt reason

your second is the real reason.

[2Design]

2. most states have a 30 day rule...to be safe be registered before

that time period.