Protect the Public’s Trust (PPT) has announced that documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request have revealed efforts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to allocate food relief funds toward voter registration initiatives.
According to PPT, these documents show that USDA programs such as food stamps and child nutrition were involved in voter registration efforts. This involvement required Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offices to distribute voter registration forms with every application or update. A memo dated March 23, 2022, from acting WIC Director Sara Olson instructed all WIC offices to provide voter registration materials and assist applicants in completing forms. Similarly, a memo from SNAP Associate Administrator Jessica Shahin imposed the same duties on SNAP agencies. These memos were later rescinded by the Trump administration.
USDA attorneys justified these activities by citing the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). However, FOIA documents indicate that their real authority stemmed from an executive order by President Biden promoting voter registration. Internal USDA communications revealed attempts to avoid mentioning other reimbursed programs like Lifeline to prevent drawing attention or criticism. According to PPT, these actions suggest efforts to increase voter engagement linked to federal assistance programs while minimizing public scrutiny, raising concerns about the use of government resources to influence voter access.
"The phrase ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help’ should raise concerns in any American, let alone when it’s said while filling out voter registration applications," said PPT Director Michael Chamberlain. Chamberlain added, "The fact that taxpayer dollars to help the hungry were diverted in an attempt to shore up new voters should appall everyone. This is just the latest in a continuing series of events demonstrating why the American public’s trust in its government all but disappeared during the Biden administration."
Protect the Public’s Trust is an organization of former government officials focused on monitoring compliance with ethical standards among public servants. The group conducts research and education to report on conflicts of interest, self-dealing, and other misconduct by senior officials. Their goal is to promote consistent enforcement of rules for all public officials, regardless of political affiliation. The organization is directed by Michael Chamberlain, who has experience in communications at the U.S. Department of Education.
