1.15 The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1993.

A. This Act designates all State agencies providing public assistance as voter registration agencies. B. Voter Registration Services: MDHS must provide all applicants and recipients the opportunity to register to vote or update a voter registration record. Provide a voter registration application and declination form at each application/reapplication, recertification/reevaluation, or when the household reports a change of address. C. Required Duties: The following services must be provided by MDHS as a voter registration agency: 1. Distribution of voter registration application forms and declination forms to applicants/recipients of agency assistance; 2. Assistance in completing voter registration application forms unless the applicant/recipient refuses such assistance; and 3. Acceptance of completed voter application forms for transmittal to the county Circuit Clerk for processing within five (5) days of receipt by the agency. D. Prohibited Actions: As a voter registration service agency, MDHS is prohibited from: 1. Seeking to influence an applicant’s political preference or party registration; 2. Promoting any political preference or party allegiance; 3. Discouraging registration; 4. Indicating that availability of agency services or eligibility for benefits is in any way related to voter registration; or 5. Disclosing an applicant’s voter registration information (except as needed for NVRA administration) or identifying the agency’s name on the application form. E. Voter Registration Requirements: To register to vote, a person must be: 1. A U.S. citizen, and 2. Age 18 or older. Persons who are 17 years old who will turn 18 on or before the general election date in November may also register. Source: National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (52 U.S.C. Chapter 205); Miss Code Ann. §23- 15-11 Revised: March 2022