White House proposal could bar federal grants for disability voter registration drives

The White House Office of Management and Budget, led by Russell Vought, has issued a draft rule that would forbid the use of federal grant dollars for voter registration drives or any loosely defined "related activities." The proposal targets organizations such as Disability Rights Nebraska, which relies on congressional funding to assist elderly and disabled voters in filing paperwork and understanding their rights. This move builds on previous Trump administration measures that limited voter-registration assistance at naturalization ceremonies and barred work-study funds for campus outreach.

Legal scholars predict lawsuits, arguing the rule conflicts with the Help America Vote Act and longstanding congressional appropriations. Advocates like Rabia Belt and Douglas Kruse note that disabled voters already experience higher registration difficulties, and the ban could widen that gap. If finalized, the rule would not take effect until after the 2026 midterms, potentially shaping the landscape of the 2028 presidential election.