The Early Word: Voter Resignation

Today’s Times

• Several recent polls and studies suggest that long waiting times in some places discouraged voter turnout in the 2012 elections, possibly costing Democrats hundreds of thousands of votes, Jeremy W. Peters writes. Party leaders are beginning to make a push for easier voting and voter registration, setting up a new conflict with Republicans over a deeply polarizing issue.

• Even though he appeared to acknowledge that expanded background checks on gun sales were far more likely to pass Congress than tougher measures, President Obama renewed his call for lawmakers to pass a ban on the manufacture and sale of new assault weapons and limits on high-capacity magazines, Michael D. Shear writes.

The Senate restarted a politically tinged debate on Monday evening with a vote to take up a renewal of the Violence Against Women Act - a measure that foundered over Republican concerns last year, Jonathan Weisman writes. That will leave party members in the House with a stark choice: stand against the provisions that derailed the bill last year or adjust their views given November’s electoral blowout with women.

• The Republican-controlled House is moving quickly to stake out a position in what is likely to become a stormy debate on overhauling the immigration system, Julia Preston and Ashley Parker report. The House Judiciary Committee will hold a series of hearings in the coming months to examine different overhaul proposals, including some fo! r a pathway to citizenship for 11 million illegal immigrants.

 Around the Web

• Former President Bill Clinton has already named his choice for 2016: the actress Betty White. “After all, she’s gained praise all the way from President Obama to George Dubya,” he said. “Of course I’m talking about Presidents Barack Obama and George Washington.” His remarks will be part of “Betty White’s Second Annual 90th Birthday Special,” which will be broadcast on NBC Tuesday night.

 Happenings in Washington

• President Obama will have a number of meetings on Tuesday, including one with leaders of progressive groups like the N.A.A.C.P. and labor union officials, as well as meetings with business executives and his defense secretary, Leon E. Panetta.

• A group of female Olympians will viit Capitol Hill to give speeches commemorating the 27th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day.