2018_0221_HRIEC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Non-governmental organizations distribute and collect voter registration applications for an election official to review and officially register the person to vote;J2-3Lor • In the absence of the above options, USCIS provides voter registration applications to all new citizens. USCIS is not responsible for the collection of applications or any other activities related to voter registration. 2.Voter Registration Services The term "voter registration services" includes one or more of the following activities: • Distribution of voter registration application forms; • Assisting interested applicants in completing voter registration application forms; • Reviewing submitted forms to ensure that each form is complete; • Collecting completed forms for submission to the local election official; or • Providing non-partisan educational information on the voting process. The mechanism for registration may vary by ceremony location, but in every case must take place only after the conclusion of the ceremony, when the candidates are officially U.S. citizens. If no space is available for governmental or non-governmental entities to provide on-site voter registration services, the USCIS field office distribute voter registration applications to each newly naturalized citizen. USCIS bases a"no space available" determination on the location of the ceremony, the size of the facility, and the number of applicants naturalizing, as well as the layout of the space. "No space available" determinations are made on a case-by-case basis by USCIS field leadership conducting the ceremony. 3.Registration by Non-governmental Organizations In-person voter registration services by the state or local election office is optimal. If state or local election officials are unable to participate, all interested non-governmental groups may seek the privilege of offering voter registration services at administrative naturalization ceremonies. To qualify, non-governmental organizations must be: • Non-profit; • Non-partisan; and • Approved by USCIS field leadership. All interested non-governmental organizations seeking to offer voter registration services must submit a written request to the local USCIS Field Office Director at least 60 days prior to the ceremony, including a statement that those participating in the registration process have received proper training on how to register voters. The written request must address all of the criteria indicated below. Field leadership provides a written response to each request after consultation with the USCIS Office of the Chief Counsel's Ethics Division, at least 30 days prior to the date of the ceremony.