National Voter Registration Act (NVRA)

The NVRA is a federal statute that mandated dramatic changes to states' voter registration procedures by January 1, 1995. North Carolina met the deadline and implemented all aspects of the Act.

The NVRA has often been called the "motor voter" bill because it required driver license offices to take applications for voter registration. It also included other agencies and a mail registration program. It affects the entire process of registration. It created new opportunities for historically under represented citizen groups to make initial application to register to vote.

Certain groups that may not have had the opportunity to apply to register to vote were offered the voter registration service when applying for services at a number of state agencies.

Purpose of NVRA

Increase the number of eligible citizens who register to vote
Enhance the participation of eligible citizens who register to vote.
Protect the integrity of the electoral process
Ensure that accurate and current voter registration rolls are maintained.

North Carolina Agencies Where You Can Register to Vote

NVRA Forms & Training Materials

DSS Cover Letter for County DSS Offices	PDF (English/Spanish)
Preference Form (WIC Agencies Only)	PDF (English), PDF (Spanish)
Agency Transmittal Form	PDF
NVRA Laminated Form for County DSS Offices	PDF (English), PDF (Spanish)
NVRA Information for Local WIC Agencies	July 2019 NVRA Training for Local WIC Agencies (PDF)
NVRA Information for County DSS Offices	Spring 2019 NVRA Overview for County DSS Offices March 2019 Training for County DSS Offices (PDF) April 2019 Training for County DSS Offices (PDF)

Contact for Agency Assistance

Phone: (866) 522-4723
Email: nvra@ncsbe.gov

FAQs

What should an agency do if the client refuses to accept the voter registration application?

Explain to the client that there is important information on the back of the form concerning voter registration and that he or she may take the form home for future use. Even if the client refuses the form, the fact that the client declined voter registration services will be reflected in the NC FAST system based on how the client answered the NVRA checkboxes (checked “no” or left blank) on the services application and responded to the NVRA Question during an in-person transaction.

If DSS agencies are no longer required to offer a separate preference form, how will agencies be able to prove that voter registration services were offered to a client?

The client’s preference with regards to voter registration services is now being captured in the NC FAST system and on DHHS’ Medicaid and FNS applications. Local agencies should ensure that other services applications include the NVRA question; Yes/No checkboxes; and the prominent statement listed below.

What is the “NVRA information” that should be on a services application?

The following NVRA information must be placed on a services application:

"If you are not registered to vote where you live now, would you like to register to vote here today? ☐ Yes ☐No

IF YOU DO NOT CHECK EITHER BOX, YOU WILL BE CONSIDERED TO HAVE DECIDED NOT TO REGISTER TO VOTE AT THIS TIME.

If you want to register to vote or to update your registration, you can complete a voter registration form at www.ncsbe.gov/NVRA/01, or ask your caseworker for a voter registration form.

Applying to register or declining to register to vote will not affect the amount of assistance that you will be provided by this agency.

If you would like help in filling out the voter registration application form, we will help you. The decision whether to seek or accept help is yours. You may fill out the application form in private.

If you believe that someone has interfered with your right to register or to decline to register to vote, your right to privacy in deciding whether to register or in applying to register to vote, or your right to choose your own political party or other political preference, you may file a complaint with the North Carolina State Board of Elections, PO Box 27255, Raleigh NC 27611-7255, or you may call the toll-free number, 1-866-522-4723."

Are agencies supposed to review public assistance applications that are mailed to an agency to determine whether the applicant would like to register to vote?

Yes. If the applicant checked “Yes” or did not provide an answer to the NVRA question, mail a voter registration application and cover letter to the client.

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