The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1993 requires that eligible citizens be given the chance to register to vote, or to change their current registration information when they apply for or get public assistance. 42 USC §1973gg through 1973gg-10 25 Pa. C.S. § 1325
The NVRA has three main goals:
To increase the number of people who register to vote in Federal elections.
To help keep the elections process fair and honest.
To make sure that voter registration rolls are correct and up-to-date.
The Department of Public Welfare (DPW) offers the opportunity to register to vote to everyone who applies for benefits. This service must not affect the application or redetermination process. Any eligible person can get benefits without registering to vote. People can complete a voter registration form at the County Assistance Office (CAO) or take the form with them to complete elsewhere and return or mail it to the CAO or voter registration office.
The CAO shall help people with the voter registration process if they ask for help or if they cannot complete the registration form because of a physical or mental disability. If you assist an individual in completing the Voter Registration Application form (DSBE 600) enter DPW's agency code (available from your Voter Registration Site Coordinator) in box 10. Indicate on the Preference form (Voter Registration Questions form (PA 1656) that you assisted in the completion of the DSBE 600.
NOTE: Do not list your name or address, the CAO's name or address or the Department's name anywhere on the Voter Registration Application form. By law, the identity of the voter registration agency through which any particular voter is registered must not be disclosed to the public.
These voter registration requirements apply to the following programs:
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
Medical Assistance.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/Food Stamps.
State Blind Pension.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
The CAO shall provide a Voter Registration Application (DSBE 600) to anyone who asks for it, even if that person is not applying for benefits.
The CAO should offer voter registration service at the following times: 42 U.S.C §1973gg-5(a)(2)(A) 25 Pa. C.S. § 1325(a)(1)
At application, including COMPASS applications.
At renewal, including COMPASS renewals.
At the Semiannual Reporting (SAR) review.
When a client reports a change of address, even if the change is reported by telephone.
For individuals who call to report an address change, the CAO will offer voter registration services. If the client:
Wants to register to vote or change his/her voter registration address, the CAO will mail or give the client the Preference form (Voter Registration Questions form (PA 1656), Voter Registration Application Cover Letter (CM 506) and the DSBE 600.
Does not want to register to vote or change his/her voter registration address, the CAO will mail or give the client the PA 1656.
NOTE: If the CAO mails the PA 1656, and the client does not return the PA 1656, the CAO is not required to take further action regarding voter registration for that transaction.
Refuses to mark any boxes or otherwise complete the PA 1656 or returns the PA 1656 without marking any boxes, the CAO must provide the client with a CM 506 and a DSBE 600. The CAO must note the client's name and address on the PA 1656 the and note on the PA 1656 that the client was given a DSBE 600.
CAOs can get voter registration information and supplies from:
Department of State
Bureau of Commission, Elections and Legislation
210 North Office Building, 401 North Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120-0500
1-877-VOTESPA
To register to vote, an applicant or recipient must be
a United States citizen for at least one month before the next election,
a resident of Pennsylvania and the voting district for at least 30 days before the next election, and
at least 18 years old on the next Election Day.
NOTE: All voters will be asked to show a photo ID before voting at a polling place in the November 2012 Election, but they do not have to show a photo ID to vote.
Some people may prefer to register to vote at the local county voter registration office. For addresses of county voter registration offices, click on “County Contacts and Web Sites” at http://www.votespa.com.
Reissued November 1, 2012, replacing August 10, 2012