Introduction

A new Office of Management and Budget proposal would prohibit federal grant money from being used for voter registration drives, potentially jeopardizing the voting access of disabled Americans who depend on nonprofit advocacy organizations.

What Happened

The White House Office of Management and Budget, led by Russell Vought, wants to change spending rules to block any use of federal funds for voter registration or what it calls related activities. This proposal is part of the Trump administration's broader effort to restrict voting access. The rule would not take effect until after the 2026 midterms but could impact the 2028 presidential election. Disability Rights Nebraska, which receives federal support to help people with disabilities register and vote, has already submitted a public comment opposing the change, warning it would leave many Nebraskans with disabilities locked out of the voting process.

Why This Matters

Disabled voters already face disproportionate barriers at the polls, and this rule could deepen that gap. Rutgers research from April 2024 shows that despite federal help, 3.6% of registered voters with disabilities reported registration difficulties compared to just 1.4% of voters without disabilities -- a gap representing about 740,000 registered voters. Organizations that help people sign up for Medicaid, food stamps, and other benefits under the National Voter Registration Act would be caught between contradictory federal directives. Nonprofits, colleges, and universities that use federal funds for voter outreach could scale back efforts, fearing compliance risks.

Key Takeaways

  • The OMB proposal would ban federal grant money for voter registration drives, affecting nonprofits that serve disabled and low-income voters.
  • Disability Rights Nebraska and similar groups could lose critical funding, jeopardizing registration efforts for thousands.
  • Legal challenges are likely, with experts arguing the rule conflicts with existing law and congressional appropriations power.
  • Disabled voters already experience registration hurdles at higher rates; this rule could widen that disparity.
  • The policy pause before 2026 midterms does not eliminate long-term risk for 2028 and beyond.

Conclusion

The proposed OMB rule represents a significant shift in how federal funds can be used for civic participation. While it won't take effect before the 2026 midterms, its potential to reshape voter registration infrastructure for disabled and marginalized communities is substantial. Advocates and affected nonprofits are already mobilizing opposition, emphasizing that access to the ballot should not depend on political appetites for funding cuts. Readers following the 2026 midterms and beyond should watch for legal challenges and any final rule changes that could alter the landscape of disabled voter access.