Washington, DC— Rep. Robert Brady (D-PA) and Rep. Diane E. Watson (D-CA) today introduced H.R. 6625, a bill to require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide voter registration services to veterans in the department’s care.

The representatives introduced the legislation after receiving an unsatisfactory response from Veterans Affairs Secretary James B. Peake earlier this month explaining why the VA decided to ban non-partisan voter registration groups from holding voter registration drives on VA property.

Many veterans live at VA facilitates and some, especially those who are disabled, find it difficult to travel off-campus for services including voter registration.

The legislation would require the VA to make voter registration services available at VA facilities in states that request it, in accordance with the National Voter Registration Act.  These services include providing voter registration forms, answering questions on registration issues and assisting with submitting voter registration forms.

The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 requires states to offer voter registration opportunities at all offices that provide public assistance, services to the disabled and at all motor vehicle offices.  The Act also allows federal agencies to provide voter registration opportunities.