Voting rights groups complain that state agencies and officials haven’t sufficiently complied with federal law to encourage registration of low-income voters. Registrations have dropped sharply at such agencies as the Department of Human Services, Health Department, Motor Vehicle services and others.

A news release noted that registration had dropped 86 percent during a time when food stamp applications — a time when voter registration must be offered — had risen 40 percent.

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The groups sent a “pre-litigation” letter to Secretary of State Mark Martin and state agencies. It was sent on behalf of the Arkansas NAACP.

I’ve sought responses from Martin and major state agencies.

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Anecdote: I recently renewed my driver’s license and was asked if I wanted to register to vote.

UPDATE: Martin’s office said its staff would be consulting with agencies on procedures. A spokesman for DHS said:

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We have seen the letter and believe we are in compliance with National Voter Registration Act. That being said, we take the concerns expressed in the letter quite seriously, and we are looking into the allegations of noncompliance. If we find that there is noncompliance, we will address that as quickly as possible.

And this came from the Health Department:

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) received notification via a faxed letter on June 11, 2012 from Project Vote and Demos addressed to the Secretary of State of Arkansas, alleging violations of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). This letter does not specify which allegations are being made against the Arkansas Department of Human Services and the ADH. The ADH understands its obligations and duties to comply with the NVRA as well as Arkansas law, specifically Act 947 of 1995. After the adoption of these laws, the ADH subsequently instituted policies and procedures to ensure that processes are in place to comply with all state and federal laws. Additionally, the agency has from time to time received training on the Motor Voter Laws from the Secretary of State’s Office.

In response to receipt of this letter, the Agency has notified the Attorney General’s Office, and we will fully cooperate with the Secretary of State’s investigation into this matter. We remain available to meet with Project Vote and Demos officials and discuss any specific allegations against the ADH. We are providing our most recent voter registration reporting documents made to the Arkansas legislature. We are also providing a copy of our policy and procedures.

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