Didn't anybody get a razor and some shave cream in the mail from Gillette when you turned 18?
A few weeks prior to any and every American's 18th birthday, the United States government should send said person a letter of congratulations, explaining their responsibility as a voting American. Included should be an optional form which can be filled out and sent back (postage paid). Upon verification that the citizen is not a felon, they will receive a phone call telling them that they are registered to vote and if they submitted the optional form, can go to their local Sherriff's department to have their picture taken. Said American would leave a few minutes later, no expenses paid, with their permit to carry still warm from the laminating machine.
This way seems pretty "for the people" to me. That's how the Framer's would want it done, that is, if we had to have "permission" to practice our inherent rights as American citizens.