Missouri admits the NVRA directly imposes certain requirements on the states. However, Missouri is quick to note the NVRA imposes different levels of obligations for various requirements. For instance,
section 1973gg–6 (the primary section at issue) imposes certain duties on the states.
See § 1973gg–6(a) (“In the administration of voter registration for elections for Federal office, each
State shall—...” (emphasis added)). The statute then lists numerous provisions using different verbs to describe the states' responsibilities. Under
section 1973gg–6(a)(1), the state must “
ensure that any eligible applicant is registered to vote in an election.” (emphasis added). Under
section 1973gg–6(a)(2), the state must “
require the appropriate State election official to send notice to each applicant of the disposition of the application.” (emphasis added). Under
section 1973gg–6(a)(3), the State must “
provide that the name of a registrant may not be removed from the official list of eligible voters except [under specified circumstances].” (emphasis added). Under
section 1973gg–6(a)(4) (of most importance in this case), the state must “
conduct a general program that makes a reasonable effort to remove the names of ineligible voters from the official lists of eligible voters by reasons of [death or change of residence].” (emphasis added). Under
§ 1973gg–6(a)(5), the state must “
inform applicants [of certain provisions].” (emphasis added). Finally, under
section 1973gg–6(a)(6), the state must “
ensure that the identity of the voter registration agency through which any particular voter is registered is not disclosed to the public.” (emphasis added).