Policy Memo (1.60 MB)
| DATE: | October 4, 1994 |
| MEMO CODE: | WIC Policy Memorandum: 95-1 |
| SUBJECT: | Questions and Answers on Implementation of the National Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA) |
| TO: | Regional Program Directors Supplemental Food Programs All Regions |
Policy Memorandum: 94- 4, dated March 31, 1994, provided information on the requirements of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA) and the responsibility of WIC offices to provide voter registration services. This policy memorandum provides additional WIC- related information to state agencies, including Indian state agencies, in implementing the NVRA.
Attached is a set of Questions and Answers to assist WIC state agencies in implementing the NVRA and to identify issues and decisions which may require consultation with state election officials. As indicated in Policy Memorandum: 94-4, state agencies should integrate voter registration services in the least burdensome, most efficient manner.
As noted in Policy Memorandum: 94-4, however, each state and its election officials (or other designated officials) are responsible for the implementation of the NVRA. Implementation of the NVRA will not be uniform nationwide but will vary from state to state. In general, states have the authority to establish their own specific Federal election procedures within the framework of federal laws and requirements .
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is not responsible for interpreting the NVRA or overseeing and monitoring its implementation. Nor is FNS responsible for conducting reviews of voter registration procedures adopted by WIC state agencies or determining whether such procedures are in compliance with the NVRA. As a result, WIC state agencies will not be required to include voter registration procedures in state Plans. However, any WIC Program funds used to provide voter registration services must be documented and reported forth in Policy Memorandum: 94-4, and as with other program areas, such costs will be reviewed by state agencies and FNS during financial expenditure reviews . At the federal level, we will continue to coordinate with the Federal Election Commission, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Health and Human Services to provide WIC state agencies with any additional information that may assist them in their implementation efforts.
STANLEY C. GARNETT
Director
Supplemental Food Programs Division