US Citizen and Immigration Services Bans Voter Registration at Naturalization Ceremonies

WASHINGTON – September 2. Today, Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters, released the following statement in response to revised policy guidance from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):    

“For decades, the League of Women Voters has been a trusted partner of both USCIS and federal courts to register new voters at naturalization ceremonies. This work has resulted in hundreds of thousands of new citizens registering to vote with League volunteers across the country. 

“The USCIS decision to bar nonpartisan organizations from providing voter registration services at naturalization ceremonies is an attempt to keep new citizens from accessing their full rights.  

“Naturalization ceremonies are empowering, joyful celebrations of American democracy. When a volunteer meets a newly naturalized citizen with a voter registration form in hand, they provide them with the tools to fully participate in the election franchise. 

"The League has always conducted this work in a proudly nonpartisan manner, with a single goal: to ensure new Americans have a voice in our democracy. Our League volunteers step in where election officials often lack capacity, making sure critical voter registration services reach those who need them most. Across the country, local election officials recognize and deeply value the partnership of their local League in voter registration, which strengthens communities and democracy.  

“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. 

“The League of Women Voters remains committed to ensuring every eligible voter can register, cast a ballot, and have their vote counted. Despite this setback, the League of Women Voters will find ways to do this vital work and ensure new citizens can access voter registration. We call on USCIS to reverse this policy.” 

Contact

Read the Latest Issue of our newsletter, Update

Inside is all our Latest news including our program "An Evening in Defense of Democracy," National Voter Registration Day, and our series "Beyond Plastics Polution."

 Unite and Rise 8.5

This year our local work will focus on the League’s nationwide “Unite and Rise 8.5” campaign. 

What is Unite and Rise 8.5?  In April 2025 the League of Women Voters declared that our country was in a constitutional crisis and responded to their concern with a new campaign that they titled Unite and Rise 8.5. Leran more here.

Locally, our League will focus on three topics: Public Mobilization and Coalition Building, Civic Education and Engagement, and Democracy Resilience. The topic for the September 10 program will be a call for greater civic education and engagement.
Please join us for our kickoff event, "An Evening in Defense of Democracy" with our guests Otsego County Election Commissioners, Michael Henrici and Lori Lehenbauer,  on September 10 at 6:00 at the Ballroom in the Village Hall,  22 Main St., Cooperstown. And bring your neighbors!

Redistricting: Where the League Stands

On August 6, 2025, League of Women Voters of the United States CEO Celina Stewart, Esq., issued the following statement in response to states considering mid-cycle redistricting:

"The League of Women Voters does not support a tit-for-tat approach to redistricting. State legislatures redrawing their maps mid-cycle reflects political gamesmanship that erodes public trust in our democracy. Redistricting must be fair, transparent, and rooted in the voices of voters — not partisan retaliation. 

"Manipulating maps for political gain is a disservice to the people. The League stands for maps that reflect communities, not political calculations. Voters deserve stable, fair representation — not to be used as pawns in a power grab. When politicians rewrite the rules mid-game to protect their control, democracy loses.

"The League of Women Voters is ready to fight to ensure fairness for voters, no matter what politicians do for their own gain. We stand ready to protect the voices of all voters because that is what our democracy is built on."

Call to Action: Defend Fair Maps Now. Learn More.

Stand Up for Democracy!

Take Action: Voice Your Opinion of the SAVE Act. 

What is the SAVE Act? It's an attempt by Congress to limit voter registration by setting up obstacles to voter registration. The House passed the bill, and now it's in the hands of the Senate and has been there for almost a month.  Review these talking points from the LWVUS to help you compose your message when you contact your representative.
 Read more.