The HATCH ACTuality of Voter Registration

As you all know, clients are able to register to vote using the Ohio Benefit Bank. But what some of you may not know is that it is okay and encouraged for your organization to offer voter registration. The reason behind this confusion for some of our OBB sites has been from a misinterpretation of the Hatch Act.

The Hatch Act of 1939 restricted the ability of federal, or civil service, employees to participate in partisan political life (53 Stat. 1147). The purpose being that no employee would attempt to sway their clients to vote one way or another. This act in NO WAY was meant to discourage organizations from promoting voter registration. In fact, if you visit http://www.ohvotes.org/, you'll see that it is encouraged that local nonprofits and agencies encourage their community to vote.

So remember, the Hatch Act of 1939 does not discourage organizations to offer voter registration. So give your community members a voice by helping them register to vote before this November 8, 2011 General Election!