ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 12926Executive OrderClinton · D

Executive Order 12926

Implementation of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993

This executive order directs federal agencies to assist states in implementing the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (the 'motor voter' law), specifically requiring agencies running public assistance and disability services programs to provide voter registration guidance, funding assistance, and technical support to state agencies. It also directs the Defense Department to develop voter registration procedures at Armed Forces recruitment offices and requires federal agencies to accept state designations as voter registration sites when legally and financially feasible.

Federal Register 59 FR 47227
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Key directives

  • Federal agencies providing public assistance/disability services funding must give states guidance on Section 7 implementation and voter registration form distribution
  • Federal agencies must assist state agencies with implementation costs consistent with legal authority and available funds, and promptly indicate extent of assistance
  • Federal agencies must designate an office or staff to provide technical assistance to state agencies
  • Secretary of Defense must work with state elections authorities to develop voter registration procedures at Armed Forces recruitment offices
  • Federal agencies must agree to state designation as voter registration agency if consistent with legal authority and available funds
  • Designated federal agencies must ensure all offices in a state have at least one national voter registration form available

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • EO takes effect upon signing
  • federal agencies must begin designating offices/staff for technical assistance
  • Secretary of Defense must initiate coordination with state elections authorities

Near term (90d)

  • agencies must provide guidance to state agencies on voter registration form distribution
  • agencies must indicate to states the extent of implementation cost assistance available

Long term

  • ongoing federal-state cooperation for voter registration at public assistance and disability service offices
  • potential expansion of federal agencies serving as designated voter registration sites upon state request

Risks & tensions

  • No explicit deadlines or calendar dates in EO text; implementation pace depends on agency discretion and state requests
  • 'To the greatest extent practicable' and 'consistent with legal authority and availability of funds' create substantial wiggle room for agencies
  • Cost-sharing arrangement with states may create friction if federal agencies claim insufficient funds
  • Vague on enforcement mechanism if agencies fail to cooperate
Executive Order 12926: Implementation of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 · Executive Orders