Thinking about Elections

NEW DIRECTIVE LIMITS VOTER REGISTRATION. For decades non-partisan groups did voter registration at naturalization ceremonies. No more. Only state and local officials can now provide this service. Yet we know their resources and staff are already limited. So what’s the answer? The goal is to create a program that permits non-partisan groups to do voter registration under the authorization of state/local election offices. A friend who lived in TX, (which banned groups from doing any voter registration at all) said she had to go through state-approved training and take an oath to be able to do voter registration.

Join me in opposing voter suppression by contacting your:

+ county board of elections (google “[your county name] board of elections)

+ your county commissioners or county council representatives (whether you have county commissioners or a county executive + county council depends on the government structure in your county. Google to find contact information)

+ state house and senate reps (google “who is my [your state] state senator and state house representative [your zip code]”)

The email I sent the Board of Elections in my county is below. I also sent it to my representatives and others. Attach a copy of the directive to your email (link below.) It validates what you are saying. My state rep was glad to get it, and we’ve set up a meeting.

My email to my Board of Elections:

A new directive (attached) bans non-partisan groups from doing voter registration at naturalization ceremonies. Only state and local officials can provide this service. What ideas do you have to fill this gap? Can you help organize what the Pittsburgh League of Women Voters has been doing up to now? 

Up to now, the Pittsburgh League has been a welcome partner at these ceremonies. The League was officially introduced during the ceremony, and new Americans have been encouraged to register to vote. We put literature on the chairs before people come into the room. We had a table in the back of the room. We circulated in the room after the ceremony answering questions (there are many) and helping people with the forms.

The naturalization ceremony is a unique opportunity to register voters and provide vital information about how our elections work in a way that truly encourages participation. Banning non-partisan groups from doing this is highly damaging. 

I'd like to talk with you about what can be done.

Thank you,

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-manual-updates/20250829-NatzCeremonyVoterRegistration.pdf