“There were record numbers of first-time voters, meaning that there were unbelievable amounts of paper,” Phillips said. “I think the systems were overwhelmed. I don’t think that’s an excuse—it was an explanation.”

Phillips said that the legislative changes might be difficult to pass, unless the secretaries of state feel pressured by the federal government to take action.

“That’s part of the follow-up,” she said. “The willingness of the secretaries of states and endorsement of NASS depends on if they think they will be forced into it by the federal government.”

In addition to legislative recommendations, the IOP suggested that the secretaries of state take administrative initiatives—such as more sophisticated websites with separate sections for college students, and help desks similar to one that was offered on the IOP website—in order to make nationwide access easier.

According to Pope, thefacebook.com hosted a link to the IOP website on its homepage, which attracted hits from students all over the country.

Pope feels that administrative techniques like this one should be emulated on a larger scale.

“It has to do with taking this from a smaller level that worked and taking it to a national level,” Pope said. “But ultimately, the responsibility shouldn’t fall on non-profit groups. It’s the responsibility of the government.”

—Staff writer Monica M. Clark can be reached at mclark@fas.harvard.edu.