LWVAZ and Naturalization Ceremonies
On August 29, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued new policy guidance stating that only state or local election officials may provide voter registration services at the end of administrative naturalization ceremonies held at USCIS facilities. This policy upends years of collaboration between USCIS and nonpartisan organizations such as the League of Women Voters in some states. Importantly, this policy does not apply to federal court–sponsored ceremonies.
You can read the LWVUS statement here and find new guidance for Leagues who have provided this service here.
Naturalization Ceremonies in Arizona- Guidance for Arizona Leagues
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Naturalization ceremonies in Arizona are administered either by the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona or by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
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County elections departments manage voter registration in both U.S. District Court and USCIS ceremonies.
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The League of Women Voters of Arizona and local Leagues do not independently conduct voter registration at naturalization ceremonies. Instead, we work in collaboration with county elections departments to recruit volunteers to serve as deputy registrars or voter registrars.
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Volunteers must complete the county-required deputy registrar or voter services training before participating.
At U.S Court- sponsored ceremonies, such as those held at the Sandra Day O’Connor Courthouse in Phoenix
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Volunteers serve under the county elections department
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Volunteers must use county-provided identification. Do not wear League t-shirts or use League ID.
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Privacy of new registrants must be protected, and all forms handled responsibly.
Volunteer Support
Maricopa County, for example, manages voter registration at naturalization ceremonies and relies on League members to serve as trained Deputy Registrars. USCIS may partner with other county departments in different locations, and members should always volunteer through official county channels to ensure new citizens receive reliable, official voter registration services.
We strongly encourage League members to:
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Complete deputy registrar training through their county elections department.
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Volunteer at naturalization ceremonies in partnership with county officials.
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Share impact stories with us at lwvazadvocacy@gmail.com and the number of new voters registered to highlight the League’s contribution.
Additional Ways to Support Voter Registration for New Citizens
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Set up voter registration tables in nearby public spaces outside USCIS facilities, following local rules. For the federal courthouse in Phoenix, permission must be obtained from the Court Administrator to set up a table on-site.
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Partner with immigrant-serving organizations (e.g., naturalization test prep, ESL programs, immigrant rights groups) to provide voter education resources and connect with new citizens outside the ceremony setting.