Health and Wellness for all Arizonans Voter Registration in WIC Marlene Williams & Jaclyn Chamberlain

Health and Wellness for all Arizonans

Voter Registration in WIC Why? What is our role? Distribution of Voter Materials How to connect

Health and Wellness for all Arizonans WHY?

Health and Wellness for all Arizonans The Regulation Have you ever heard the term “Motor Voter?” What does that mean?

Health and Wellness for all Arizonans “Motor Voter” Law Congress passed the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA)1 in 1993 to increase the number of citizens registered to vote in federal elections. It is often referred to as the “motor voter” law because it requires states to offer voter registration with driver’s license application and renewal.

Health and Wellness for all Arizonans The Regulation “An equally important but less well-known provision of the NVRA is the requirement that states affirmatively offer voter registration opportunities to clients of public assistance programs. The provision of voter registration services at public assistance offices is governed by Section 7 of the NVRA.3.”

Health and Wellness for all Arizonans What’s That Got to Do With WIC? Translation: WIC must follow “Motor Voter” too and help clients register to vote.

Health and Wellness for all Arizonans Remember the Purpose Voting History in the US: 1869: Congress passes the Fifteenth Amendment giving African American men the right to vote. 1919: Congresses passes the Nineteenth Amendment and women given right to vote 1965: Voting Rights Act signed, barring barriers to voting for racial and ethnic minorities Arizona: AZ’s Voter Registration Rate is 77.45%

Health and Wellness for all Arizonans So What’s Different for Us? Yearly Training – Beginning Oct 2015 Will be required to take it once it is available Take it once per year (like Civil Rights) New Forms – Beginning Oct 2015 Slight new ways in offering – Mindful of how we offer the form Appoint someone responsible for mailing the forms

Health and Wellness for all Arizonans

Being Mindful The wording on the form is more consistent with expectations Staff will ask if clients are registered, but then must offer the form to verify voting status/interest in registration – Must also offer assistance – If client indicates interest in registering Must also offer assistance and privacy if requested

Health and Wellness for all Arizonans Family Screen During the completion/update of the Family Screen ask: “Are you currently registered to vote?”

Health and Wellness for all Arizonans Offer Voter Info Form Use the form to allow the participant to mark their response – Present the voter info form – Let the participant know: “I can assist you in filling this out.” “Your voting status does not affect their eligibility for WIC or the benefits they receive.”

Health and Wellness for all Arizonans