Each CAO must:
Display a current voter registration poster.
Keep a supply of Voter Registration Application forms (DSBE 600) and return envelopes in the reception area.
Post a sign in the reception area to show where the DSBE 600s are kept.
Each CAO must have a plan to ensure staff offers a DSBE 600, even if the individual is not applying for benefits and offer to provide help completing the form. Multiple forms only need to be provided when the individual requests multiple forms.
The CAO must not:
Make any statement or take any action that makes applicants think their decision about applying to register to vote or not has any effect on the eligibility for services or benefits.
Try to influence an individual’s party preference or party registration.
Show any political preference or party allegiance while providing a voter registration opportunity.
Make any statement or take any action that discourages the applicant from applying to register to vote.
Use any information about a decision not to register to vote for any purpose other than voter registration.
The CAO must forward to the OIM Coordinator any complaints made by the public regarding the provision of voter registration services.
When an individual comes into the CAO to report a change of address, receptionists will ask the individual to fill out the Preference form (Voter Registration Questions form) (PA 1656) if the change of address is not reported on a SNAP Change Report (PA 239SP) or any benefits application or form with a Voter Registration block.
If the individual checks “Yes” on the Preference form or leaves the answer blank, the receptionist should give the individual a Voter Registration Cover Letter (CM 506) and a Voter Registration Application form (DSBE 600) and ask them to fill out the form.
If the individual refuses to mark any boxes or otherwise complete the PA 1656, the receptionist must provide the individual with a CM 506 and a DSBE 600. The receptionist must note on the PA 1656 the individual’s name and address and that the individual was given a DSBE 600.
The receptionist should give completed DSBE 600 forms to the office liaison. A completed PA 1656 should be retained in the case record for 24 months.
Caseworkers must offer voter registration services at application or redetermination, including any home visits used for these purposes, or when a change of address is reported. Voter registration service also applies to information reported over the telephone or via computer (COMPASS application or redetermination). In addition, voter registration services must be offered with a SNAP Change Report (PA 239SP) and any other application or form with a Voter Registration block. The decision whether to register to vote is captured on the voter registration section of applications, renewals and SAR forms. It is also captured on the COMPASS Individual Details screen and may be captured on a Preference form (Voter Registration Questions form (PA 1656).
The caseworker must check the voter registration section of applications, renewals and SAR forms. Complete the block, “County Assistance Office Staff will complete this box based upon your response above”. The caseworker must check the Summary screen for COMPASS transactions.
NOTE: If the Voter Registration section does not appear on a COMPASS summary screen, the caseworker will consider the answer to have been left “blank”.
If the individual wants to register to vote or leaves the answer blank, the caseworker must give/mail the individual a CM 506 and a DSBE 600 and tell the person to complete the form in blue or black ink.
Caseworkers must inform the individual that applying to register or declining to register to vote will not affect the availability or amount of assistance that will be provided by the agency.
Responding to the Voter Registration questions remains a mandatory data entry field during Application Processing (AP) and Case Processing (CP).
For paper applications, the Voter Registration code must be manually entered based upon the individual's response to the Voter Registration question on the application.
The Voter Registration code for applications completed in COMPASS will be imported into AP.
The Voter Registration code will not be imported for Renewals completed in COMPASS.
Voter Registration codes captured in AP will be displayed in CP. Caseworkers can modify the code in CP when necessary.
Enter the correct voter registration code in the Individual Non-Financial Demographics screen in eCIS, according to the Voter Registration Code Table (TVRT).
1- Yes, form given to client.
2- Yes, CAO transmitted form.
3- Declined, not interested.
4- Not Applicable.
NOTE: Use code 4 for any other individuals in the household that are not the Head of Household.
5- Not a U.S. citizen.
6- Declined, already registered.
8- Form mailed to client.
NOTE: Use code 8 when completing a telephone interview and the individual would like to register to vote.
9- No Preference Indicated.
NOTE: Use code 9 when the payment name is age 18 and greater AND the individual did not respond to the voter registration question on the on the form.
The Voter Registration Application form (DSBE 600) will be automatically mailed to the Head of Household when the Voter Registration code in AP or CP is an "8-Form mailed to client" or "9-No Preference Indicated".
Answering the voter registration question is optional for the individual. The CAO cannot require the individual to complete the Voter Registration Questions form PA 1656)in order for the CAO to avoid sending the CM 506 and the DSBE 600
Example: Linda Greene submits an Application for Benefits (PA 600) for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. She has left the voter registration questions unanswered on her application. During her phone interview, the caseworker asks her if she would like to register to vote.
Whether Linda says "yes", "no" or tells the caseworker that she does not want to answer the questions, the caseworker will select "9-No preference indicated" on the voter registration question. Linda did not provide a written response to the voter registration question. Linda left the voter registration questions on her Application for Benefits unanswered. The caseworker does not send a PA 1656, since Linda already received the voter registration questions as part of her Application for Benefits. The system will automatically send Linda a voter registration application, DSBE 600.
For completed DSBE 600 forms the caseworker must:
Review the completed DSBE 600, including the signature and the date.
Give the complete DSBE 600 to the CAO liaison.
When an individual reports a change of address that is not in response to a question on the SAR or renewal form, the caseworker should, if possible:
Ask the individual if they would like to register to vote at the new address.
Remind the individual that if they are currently registered to vote, a new registration form with the new address may need to be filled out.
If the individual:
Wants to register to vote or change their voter registration address, the CAO will mail or give the individual the PA 1656, CM 506 and the DSBE 600 if they are present. Offer to help the individual complete the forms. Follow the process above for completed forms. If the individual is not present, inform them that they will receive the forms in the mail.
Does not want to register to vote or change their voter registration address, the CAO will give the individual the PA 1656 if they are present. If the individual is not present, inform them that they will receive the PA 1656, CM 506 and the DSBE 600 forms in the mail.
NOTE: If the individual 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 caseworker must provide the individual with a CM 506 and a DSBE 600 if they are present. The caseworker must note the individual's name and address on the PA 1656 and note on the PA 1656 and in case comments that the individual was provided a DSBE 600.
When an individual's address is modified, the "Change of Address" field will automatically be selected by the system and a Voter Registration Application form will be automatically mailed along with the PA 1656. The worker should not uncheck the box unless a voter registration form does not need to be mailed.
EXAMPLE: Tami reports a change of address in person. She is provided a PA 1656 on which she indicates she would like to register to vote. The CAO provides her with a the DSBE 600 and offers to provide assistance with completing the form. The caseworker will uncheck the box when completing the address change to avoid mailing a duplicate DSBE 600.
NOTE: If the individual verbally declines to register to vote when the change of address is reported, the box should not be unchecked. The NVRA requires that the declination be in writing.
Any decisions or actions that are not captured using the voter registration codes in the system must be noted in the case file. Reasons for any action taken to suppress the mailing of a voter registration form must be noted in the case record.
CAO staff must offer to help individuals complete the DSBE 600. Indicate on the Preference form (Voter Registration Questions form (PA 1656) that you assisted in the completion of the DSBE 600.
Revised September 5, 2024, replacing March 14, 2019