The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Sept. 23, 2025
The League of Women Voters reports that for decades, over 100 local League affiliates assisted new citizens with registering to vote immediately following their naturalization ceremony. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services just prohibited the League and other pro-voter groups from providing this service to new Americans.
In a policy advisory August 29th, USCIS says it will allow only governmental agencies to provide voter registration at naturalization ceremonies, which often occur on weekends or outside of business hours. It discontinued the service because of the, QUOTE, “. . . administrative burden on USCIS to ensure that those nongovernmental organizations who provide voter registration services are nonpartisan.”
In a 2016 toolkit for running voter registration events, the League of Women Voters writes, “Many Leagues have worked for years to offer voter registration at naturalization ceremonies, with some Leagues reporting tens of thousands of new citizens registered as a result of their volunteers’ diligent work.”
In a statement September 2nd, the League said, QUOTE “By shutting out the League and other civic partners, USCIS is making it harder for new citizens to register to vote, which is yet another intimidation tactic and attack on the immigrant community. Our democracy is stronger with the voices of new citizens.”
We’ve linked the policy document, the League’s toolkit and more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
League of Women Voters – Naturalization Ceremony Voter Registration Toolkit
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – Policy Alert: Voter Registration at Administrative Naturalization Ceremonies
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – New U.S. Citizens
League of Women Voters – League of Women Voters Statement on USCIS Policy Restricting Voter Registration at Naturalization Ceremonies
New Jersey Monitor – Feds curtail push to register new citizens to vote, spurring voter suppression fears
Groups Taking Action:,League of Women Voters US, OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates, Voto Latino
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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