*This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated. 
 1994.
11.22 :  Voter Registration in Welfare Offices

Contact:  Michael Kharfen     (202) 401-9215
November 22, 1994

            VOTER REGISTRATION COMING TO WELFARE OFFICES

     HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala today announced publication
of a proposed rule that will make voter registration materials
available in welfare offices.

     The new rule implements portions of the National Voter
Registration Act of 1993 (known as the Motor Voter Act),
requiring state public assistance offices providing Aid to
Families with Dependent Children, Medicaid, Food Stamps and the
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) supplemental feeding program,
to give voter registration assistance.

     "The Motor Voter Act is landmark legislation that will make
it far easier for all citizens to register to vote in federal
elections," said Secretary Shalala. "This proposal will help more
Americans take part in one of our country's most fundamental
democratic exercises--voting."

     The proposed rule would eliminate current regulations that
bar the distribution of voter registration materials to AFDC and
Medicaid applicants and recipients at the public assistance
office.

     Under the NVRA, beginning on Jan. 1, 1995, public assistance
offices must provide voter registration assistance in the 
distribution of mail voter registration forms, in the completion
of forms, and in the acceptance and referral of completed forms
to election officials.

     "I encourage state and local officials to work closely 
together to achieve the goals of this important legislation," 
said Mary Jo Bane, assistant secretary for children and families.

     The department's Administration for Children and Families,
Office of Family Assistance, is seeking comments on these
proposed rules over the next 60 days.
                                 ###